The US President reiterated his support for Israel in a conversation with Netanyahu, as Netanyahu was also reported to be against a counterattack against Iran.
US President Joe Biden has condemned Iranian attacks on military facilities in Israel, pledging a coordinated diplomatic response from the Group of Seven (G7), while highlighting the United States’ help in shooting down “almost all” attacking drones and missiles.
Biden, who cut short his trip to Delaware and returned to Washington, D.C., to meet with advisers about the attack late Saturday night, said in a statement released by the White House that U.S. forces and facilities were not hit.
The US president said he reiterated “ironclad” support for Israel’s security in a phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom he has strained relations over Israel’s handling of the war in Gaza.
“I told him that Israel has demonstrated a remarkable ability to defend itself against and repel unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its enemies that they cannot effectively threaten Israel’s security,” Biden said in a statement released by the White House.
“Tomorrow I will convene my G7 colleagues to coordinate a joint diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack,” he said.
Iran launched explosive drones and fired missiles at Israel late Saturday in its first direct attack on Israeli territory, a retaliatory strike that raised the risk of a wider regional conflict.
Tehran had vowed to retaliate for the Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus last week, which killed a senior commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s overseas Quds Force and six other officers.
“Vigilant against all threats”
Biden said he directed the U.S. military last week to deploy ballistic missile defense aircraft and destroyers to the region.
“Thanks to these operations and the exceptional skills of our soldiers, we have helped Israel repel almost all incoming drones and missiles,” he said.
Biden said his team would coordinate with counterparts across the region and remain in close contact with Israeli leadership.
“And while we have not experienced any attacks on our forces or facilities today, we will remain vigilant against all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect our people,” he said.
Despite the tensions, US media reported that Biden was aiming for de-escalation.
The Axios news agency said Biden told Netanyahu he would resist an Israeli counterattack against Iran and that he should “claim victory.”
NBC said he had also privately expressed concerns to others that Netanyahu was trying to drag the U.S. deeper into a larger conflict.
On Saturday, Biden met his top security officials in the White House Situation Room, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and CIA Director William Burns.
Biden had warned Iran of retaliation, although he predicted the attack was imminent.