In a crucial phone conversation following Iran’s recent airborne attack on Israel, President Joe Biden reassured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States would not partake in any offensive actions against Iran. Biden highlighted that the attacks did not result in any significant damage to “value” targets within Israel, emphasizing the effectiveness of Israeli defenses which intercepted nearly all of the hundreds of missiles and drones launched in the assault.
According to a senior US official who spoke to CNN, President Biden praised the Israeli military’s capabilities, describing the event as a demonstration of Israel’s military superiority. This sentiment was echoed in Biden’s assertion that the day ended as a victory for Israel, showcasing the strength and precision of its defense systems, including the Iron Dome.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that with assistance from the U.S. military, they managed to shoot down the majority of the projectiles before they could reach Israeli soil. The U.S. support included the strategic deployment of aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers in the region, which played a pivotal role in the defense against the Iranian attack.
In addition to the military support, U.S. forces themselves intercepted over 70 drones and at least three ballistic missiles during the attack, illustrating the active defensive collaboration between the United States and Israel. Despite the broad scale of the attack, the damages reported were minimal, with only a few missiles breaching Israel’s defenses, resulting in minor damage and no casualties.
President Biden further stated his plans to convene with G7 leaders to discuss and coordinate a unified diplomatic response to Iran’s aggressive actions. He emphasized the ongoing vigilance of U.S. forces in the region and reiterated his commitment to take all necessary actions to protect American interests and personnel.
This series of events marks a significant moment in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, highlighting the complexities of the regional tensions and the delicate balance of international diplomacy in dealing with acts of aggression.