After an unprecedented airstrike by Iran against Israel, President Biden assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would not participate in a reprisal strike on Iran. The attack resulted in only minor damage to a military base in Israel after over 300 missiles and drones were launched from Iran towards Israel, with most being intercepted before entering Israeli territory. Israel successfully intercepted 99% of the approximately 350 drones, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and rockets launched from Iran, Iraq, Yemen, and Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.
The retaliatory attack by Iran marked their first-ever direct offensive against Israel and came shortly after an airstrike attributed to Israel destroyed Iran’s consulate in Syria, killing 13 people, including two high-ranking Iranian generals. President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran vowed that the attack would not go unanswered. Despite condemning the Iranian assault, President Biden made it clear that the U.S. had assisted Israel in taking down most of the incoming drones and missiles. The President reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to Israel’s security and emphasized the desire to avoid a broader regional conflict.
In a conversation with Netanyahu, President Biden assured that the U.S. is not seeking a conflict with Iran and is working to prevent tensions from escalating further. The President also spoke with King Abdullah of Jordan, acknowledging that Iran’s attack posed a threat to Jordan as well. A meeting with G7 leaders was convened to coordinate a diplomatic response to the attack, with a joint statement expressing concern over Iran’s actions and the risk of regional destabilization. Former U.S. Central Command Commander Gen. Frank McKenzie advised Israel to exercise restraint in response to the Iranian attack.
Israel’s successful defense against the Iranian attack was seen as a demonstration of their strength, with McKenzie noting that Israel is now stronger having intercepted the bulk of the airstrike. The U.N. Security Council was set to hold an emergency meeting to address the situation. The developments occurred amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with increasing pressure on President Biden to address the civilian death toll in Gaza. Despite the attack from Iran, Israel remained focused on their mission in Gaza to rescue hostages from Hamas. There was a growing sentiment among Americans for the President to encourage Israel to halt military actions in Gaza.
