The U.S. would not engage in a counter-offensive should Israel retaliate following a drone and missile attack by Iran.
As per the Whitehouse officials, President Joe Biden informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US would not be a part of retaliatory action against Iran.
The potential for open conflict between Iran and Israel has escalated regional tensions. This situation has led international and Arab leaders to urge restraint to avoid further escalation.
U.S. media sources have reported that President Biden communicated his position to Prime Minister Netanyahu overnight. A White House official later confirmed this stance to Reuters.
While the U.S. remains committed to assisting Israel’s defence efforts, it is not seeking to escalate to war, as stated by John Kirby, the White House’s principal national security spokesperson, on ABC’s “This Week.”
The attack, which occurred after Israel targeted an Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1, involved over 300 missiles and drones, primarily from Iran. Despite the scale, the damage in Israel was minimal, thanks to missile defence efforts supported by the U.S., Britain, and Jordan.
An Air Force base in southern Israel was struck but remained operational. A 7-year-old child was severely injured by shrapnel, but no other significant damage was reported.
On Sunday, two senior Israeli ministers indicated that immediate retaliation was unlikely. Benny Gantz, a centrist minister, stated that Israel would instead focus on forming a regional coalition to respond appropriately.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant highlighted the opportunity for Israel to create a strategic alliance against Iran. He mentioned the severe threat posed by Iran’s potential to arm missiles with nuclear warheads. Iran, however, denies pursuing nuclear arms.
Major General Mohammad Bagheri, the Iranian army chief of staff, issued a warning on television. He stated that Iran’s response would intensify if Israel chose to retaliate. He also cautioned the U.S. that its bases might be targeted if it assisted Israel in any retaliatory strikes.
