Biden boosts talks with Israel, eyes united response to Iran
President Joe Biden's administration is concentrating on discussions with Israel to form a united stance on a potential response to Iran's attack. A "moment of horror" has emerged in the Middle East, reported Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell on Wednesday.
6:01 AM EDT, October 3, 2024
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell stated that in the coming days, the Biden administration will prioritize consultations with Israel. The objective is to establish a coordinated response to Iran's attack.
"I think we recognize, as important as a response of some kind should be, there is a recognition that the region is really balancing on a knife's edge, and real concerns about a even broader escalation or a continuing one, not just simply an exchange of sort of isolated salvos, but of more sustained hostility, which could imperil not just Israel, but our strategic interests as well," Campbell said during a virtual conference organized by the Washington think tank, Carnegie Endowment.
According to Washington, Tehran, which launched nearly 200 rockets at the Jewish state on Tuesday, has engaged in "decidedly irresponsible" actions, necessitating a response, he added.
Americans comment on Iran's attack
However, there is a risk that between Israel and Iran, there will be not only an exchange of individual salvos but also a more extended conflict that will threaten not only Israel but also our strategic interests, Campbell cautioned.
He acknowledged that the attacks launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon were "destabilizing" for Israel, but he warned against any prolonged involvement by the Jewish state on this front.
He explained that the U.S. administration has attempted to express its support for some of Israel's actions but approaches the Israeli invasion in southern Lebanon "with real reserve," especially if its scale were to increase or if it were to turn into a prolonged operation.
