US won't support Israeli counterattack on Iran: Biden tells Netanyahu
United States President Joe Biden reportedly informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a call on Saturday that the US would not support any Israeli reprisals against Iran. Biden told Netanyahu that nothing of "value" was hit and that Israel's defense against Iran on Saturday was a "win." Iran launched more than 200 drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles on Saturday night, the majority of which were intercepted outside Israeli airspace, according to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari.
Why does this story matter?
Biden and his advisers are concerned that an Israeli response to Iran's strike could spark a regional conflict with disastrous implications. Iran launched hundreds of attack drones and missiles against Israel on Saturday night in retaliation for an airstrike in Syria that killed its Quds Force Commander. The action came after Iran said it reserves the right "to take a decisive response" after the airstrike by suspected Israeli warplanes hit the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1.
Netanyahu said he understood US's decision
According to reports, Netanyahu acknowledged Biden's assertion that the US would not support operations against Iran during the phone conversation. At least three ballistic missiles and over 70 drones were intercepted by US forces, a senior US official told CNN. Two guided missile destroyers stationed in the eastern Mediterranean shot down the missiles.
What US did to strengthen Israel's defense
In the past week, the US military has relocated aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region to strengthen Israel's defense. Biden acknowledged this in a White House statement, attributing Israel's successful neutralization of nearly all incoming drones and missiles to the exceptional skills of our servicemembers and these deployments. The IDF confirmed that they intercepted the "vast majority" of projectiles with support from the US military.
Biden reveals plans for G7 meeting on Iran's attack
Biden said he will meet with G7 leaders on Sunday to formulate a unified diplomatic response to Iran's brazen attack. "While we have not seen attacks on our forces or facilities today, we will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people," the US president said. Iran has threatened to attack again with greater force if Israel or the US respond to the Iranian strike on the Jewish nation.
