After a week of being in the news for being highly critical of Israel, with some reports claiming that he accused Israel of going too far in Gaza, yesterday, U.S. President Joe Biden affirmed unwavering support for Israel amidst rising tensions with Iran. This declaration came in response to Iran's retaliatory threats following an Israeli airstrike that demolished an Iranian building adjacent to its consulate in Damascus, claiming the lives of two key generals among others.
Despite Biden's critical view of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach to the conflict in Gaza, particularly concerning an attack that resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers, he emphasized the steadfast nature of U.S. support. "Our commitment to Israel's security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," Biden asserted, reinforcing his stance with repeated assurances of protection for Israel. He made these remarks alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, highlighting the international context of his statement. Biden also mentioned the high number of dead Palestinians, referencing a Hamas statistic that even the terror group admits is flawed and incomplete.
President Biden: "Our commitment to Israel’s security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. Let me say it again, ironclad. We’re going to do all we can to protect Israel’s security." pic.twitter.com/OFo35zFDPn
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) April 10, 2024
The situation escalated when Israel carried out a strike on April 1, targeting an off embassy annex to Iran's consulate building in Syria, which led to the death of seven members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, including two high-ranking generals. This act has heightened fears of an imminent Iranian assault on Israeli interests.
In retaliation, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, labeled Israel as an "evil regime" demanding punitive action. This sentiment was met with a bold response from Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who, in a statement made in Persian on the social media platform X, warned of a direct Israeli counterattack should Iran initiate aggression from its territory.
🇺🇸U.S TO IRAN: DO NOT ATTACK ISRAEL - OUR SUPPORT IS "IRONCLAD"
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 11, 2024
🇮🇷IRAN TO U.S: STEP ASIDE OR BECOME A TARGET!
Blinken: "US will stand with Israel against any threats by Iran and its proxies.”
Biden: "As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel security against… https://t.co/1zuG7y1KkU pic.twitter.com/tgZLSkggDk
Amidst concerns of the Gaza conflict widening, the U.S. has been active in its efforts to contain the situation, wary of potential spillover into Lebanon. Internal discussions within the Biden administration reflect apprehensions about Iran targeting U.S. interests as part of its retaliation strategy. These fears are grounded in recent communications from Iran to the U.S., threatening to consider the U.S. a target should it come to Israel's defense.
The Biden administration has been cautious in its public comments regarding the April 1 airstrike, emphasizing its lack of involvement and refraining from confirming whether the strike violated international norms regarding the protection of diplomatic facilities. NSC spokesperson, retired Adm. John Kirby, stated, "We weren’t involved in any way whatsoever."
ANALYSIS
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 11, 2024
I may hold an unpopular opinion, but I see the threats against Israel from the Islamic regime in Iran as a beneficial development.
The US support for Israel has begun to dwindle concerning the Gaza war, coinciding with Iran's threats against Israel.
Despite the Biden… https://t.co/8PcBaEaDTe
Moreover, internal notes from National Security Council meetings reveal the administration's reluctance to publicly engage in discussions with Tehran, given the absence of formal diplomatic relations. This discreet approach underscores the complex diplomatic landscape and the administration's intent to navigate these tensions with caution, prioritizing regional stability and the security of its allies.
