US President Joe Biden made it clear to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States would not support a retaliatory attack on Iran by Israel, as reported by a media outlet. Biden conveyed this message to Netanyahu during a phone call following Iran's launch of a barrage of drones and missiles directly toward Israeli territory.
During the call, Biden emphasized that the US "will not participate in any offensive operations against Iran and will not support such operations." Netanyahu acknowledged this position in his response to Biden.
According to a White House official, Biden highlighted the success of "joint defensive efforts" by the US, Israel, and other regional nations in thwarting the Iranian attack. He commended Israel for its ability to defend against and defeat the unprecedented attacks, sending a clear message to its adversaries.
In an official statement, Biden condemned the attacks launched by Iran and its proxies, reaffirming the US's commitment to Israel's security. He emphasized that the US military had moved resources to the region to support Israel's defense, assisting in intercepting the incoming drones and missiles.
Biden also announced plans to convene with fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran's actions, emphasizing the need to remain vigilant against threats and to take necessary action to protect people.
However, Biden and his advisers expressed concern that an Israeli response to Iran's attack could escalate into a regional war with catastrophic consequences. The Iranian attack was reportedly in retaliation against an earlier airstrike on its consulate in Damascus, which Israel has not officially acknowledged.
The Israeli military claimed to have intercepted the majority of Iranian missiles and drones, with only minor damage reported in southern Israel.
