National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby neither confirmed nor denied if President Joe Biden warned Israel against retaliating to the recent drone attack by Iran. However, reports indicated that a proposed retaliatory strike by Israel was called off after Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday night. Kirby stated that the U.S. was not seeking a war with Iran and supported Israel’s right to respond as it sees fit.
Kirby mentioned that the Pentagon was monitoring threats against U.S. troops in the Middle East but confirmed no attacks had occurred thus far. Biden spoke with Netanyahu following the attack, emphasizing the U.S.’s commitment to Israel’s security. The successful destruction of most drones with U.S. assistance sent a message that Israel’s enemies cannot threaten its security. However, Biden reportedly informed Netanyahu that the U.S. would not support an offensive strike against Iran, according to multiple reports.
Israel’s war cabinet will meet to discuss a response to the attack, as Iran deemed the attacks concluded but warned against escalation, promising a more severe response. The G7 will coordinate a diplomatic response to the Iranian attack, with Biden personally involved in diplomatic efforts. Pope Francis urged for an end to hostilities between the two nations, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed concerns and called for calm and restraint, advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The recent drone attack was in retaliation for an airstrike on April 1 that destroyed the Iranian consulate in Damascus, killing two high-ranking Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders. Iran blamed Israel for the attack, leading to their vow to retaliate. The Iranian military launched hundreds of attack drones towards Israel on Saturday, with most being intercepted, but one causing minor damage to a military facility. A young girl from a Bedouin village in the Negev Desert was injured by shrapnel from a downed drone, highlighting the impact of the conflict.
The situation between Iran and Israel remains tense, with diplomatic efforts being made to prevent further escalation. The U.S. stance on supporting Israel’s security while discouraging offensive strikes against Iran adds complexity to the situation. The international community, including the G7 and Pope Francis, is calling for calm and restraint to prevent a spiral of violence. The impact of these events on the region’s stability and security underscores the need for careful responses and diplomatic solutions to prevent further conflict.
