Biden's firm stance against Israeli retaliation in talks with Netanyahu
On Saturday, the President of the USA spoke with the Prime Minister of Israel. Biden expressed his opposition to any retaliatory actions by Israel and stated he would not support the country in the event of an attack.
Apr 14, 2024 | updated: 10:28 AM EDT, April 14, 2024
The discussion between Netanyahu and Biden, confirmed to the American media by an Israeli government spokesperson, lacked specific details about what was conversed. This conversation came shortly after a previous discussion over a week ago, where Biden urged Netanyahu to prioritize the protection of civilians in Gaza, while also affirming support for Israel against Iranian threats.
Biden consults with Netanyahu following the attack from Iran
After Iran's attack on Saturday night, a conversation also took place between the defence chiefs of both countries, Lloyd Austin of the USA and Yoav Gallant of Israel. CNN reported that Austin requested Gallant to inform the USA before any planned responses to the Iranian attack.
The "Washington Post" reported dissatisfaction within the US administration due to Israel's lack of prior warning before their strike on an Iranian facility in Damascus on April 1st, which led to Iran's retaliatory shelling of Israel the following day.
In response to these events, the Iranian mission at the UN declared that having retaliated against the "Zionist regime", they consider the matter settled but warned of a "more severe" reaction if Israel opts for a counter-strike.
US Concerns Grow
According to Axios, the White House is apprehensive that an Israeli counter-attack in response to the Iranian strike might escalate into a broader regional conflict. Hence, with the joint defence successfully intercepting almost all missiles and drones from Iran, Biden advised Netanyahu to "take the victory" and cease the hostilities with Iran at that point.
He also emphasized that the USA would neither participate in nor support any offensive operations against Iran. Following their conversation, Biden reassured Netanyahu of America's "ironclad" commitment to Israel's defence and mentioned a joint diplomatic effort by the G7 countries.
As detailed by Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin, the USA intercepted "dozens" of drones and missiles launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. He urged Iran to "immediately stop" further attacks, including those by Iran-supported militias, and to de-escalate tensions.
- We do not seek conflict with Iran, but we will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defense of Israel, Austin declared.
Iran had previously stated that its Saturday shelling of Israel, a response to the Israeli strike on an Iranian facility in Syria, should be regarded as the end of the matter. Nevertheless, Netanyahu had pledged not to leave the attack unanswered before Iran's retaliatory action.
