Israel is currently considering its options in response to Iran’s recent attacks. Privately, the U.S. has informed Israeli officials that if Israel decides to retaliate with military action, it will have to do so independently.
The message is quite uncommon for a close ally that has been receiving more military aid from the US than any other country in the world for decades. The relationship between the two countries is often referred to as “ironclad.”
After months of taking independent actions in Gaza, where Israel has faced extensive criticism from allies, including the U.S., for its military operations being deemed excessive, the Biden administration has firmly stated that it will not engage in offensive military operations against Iran. This decision comes as a precautionary measure to avoid the escalation of conflict and the potential outbreak of a wider war in the Middle East.
According to a senior administration official, the United States firmly believes in Israel’s right to protect and defend itself. This longstanding policy remains unchanged, even in light of Iran’s recent attack.
The official responded negatively when a reporter inquired about the U.S. providing assistance to Israel in conducting offensive military operations.
“This person stated that they would not envision themselves participating in such a thing.”
A second U.S. official revealed that the same message was conveyed directly to Israel’s highest-ranking officials in a private phone conversation on Sunday. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin personally delivered the message to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The official emphasized that Austin conveyed unequivocal support for Israel’s defense. Furthermore, he made it clear in a straightforward manner that the United States had no intentions of participating in any potential counteroffensive on behalf of Israel.
World leaders, including U.S. officials, were deeply shaken by Iran’s attack on Israel on Saturday. Initially, it was believed that the Islamic Republic had only prepared a small number of ballistic missiles. However, during a meeting, a senior U.S. official’s hand trembled as they took notes upon learning that U.S. intelligence indicated that over 100 ballistic missiles were being readied for launch.
Iran claimed that the attack on its consulate in Damascus, Syria was a direct response to a military strike, believed to be orchestrated by Israel.
According to U.S. officials, it is estimated that Iran deployed approximately 300 missiles and drones in total. This included over 100 ballistic missiles and around 30 cruise missiles.
According to two officials from the United States, approximately half of the missiles experienced issues during the recent conflict. These problems included failed launches, failures during flight, and crashes before reaching their intended targets in Israel.
Israeli air defense systems successfully countered most of the remaining air threats, with assistance from U.S., U.K., and Jordanian forces.
According to U.S. Central Command, American forces in the region have successfully intercepted around 80 drones and up to six ballistic missiles. In one instance, U.S. forces shot down a missile near Erbil, Iraq, as they suspected it was targeting Israel. The interception was carried out by two U.S. Navy destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
After the defensive effort, a senior administration official informed reporters that it was a “spectacular” success, despite Iran’s clear intent to cause significant damage and deaths in Israel.
Israel’s response to the situation was not immediately apparent. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting with his war cabinet on Sunday, and top officials indicated that a decision regarding their response could be reached as early as Monday.
President Joe Biden wasted no time in reaching out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the aftermath of the attack. The two leaders had a private conversation shortly after the incident. Furthermore, Biden demonstrated his solidarity with Israel by joining other G7 leaders in issuing a statement of unwavering support.
According to Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Force, the strong collaboration between the United States Central Command, the British, the French, and the regional players has sent a powerful message to Iran. Lerner emphasized that this united front has made it clear to Iran that they cannot escape the consequences of their actions.
Global support for Israel marks a significant change in Israel’s international standing, especially considering the previous months of criticism it faced due to its military actions against Hamas in response to the Oct. 7 attacks. Israel has justified its offensive operation as a necessary measure to protect itself from potential future attacks.
According to U.S. officials, it is their belief that the attack carried out by Iran on Saturday night was largely unsuccessful. They suggest that the focus should now shift towards formulating a measured and well-planned response, one that garners widespread international backing.
According to a senior administration official, Israel needs to carefully consider its next steps.
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