US urges 'Israel' to 'be careful and strategic' regarding Iran
2 Min Read
A US official stressed that any Israeli response to the retaliatory attack by Iran would escalate tensions in the region.
-
"Israel's" war cabinet holds a meeting to discuss the retaliatory attack launched by Iran in 'Tel Aviv', 'Israel' on April 14, 2024. (AFP)
After the unprecedented retaliatory attack by Iran on "Israel", three US officials revealed that the Biden administration persists in privately and publicly advising "Israel" against a response.
According to a senior US official, the assessment from the United States is that Iran would respond to any substantial, overt Israeli strike on Iranian territory with a wave of missile and drone attacks.
The US official stressed that such actions would escalate tensions in the region.
During their phone call on Saturday, US President Joe Biden warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "think carefully" about retaliating at Iran, and "Israel" is not looking to worsen the situation, a US source said Sunday.
"The Israelis made clear to us they're not looking for a significant escalation with Iran," the official explained to AFP, adding that Biden "made very clear to the prime minister last night that we do have to think carefully and strategically about the risks of escalation."
Following the call, Biden said US forces have "helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles." He also announced that he "will convene my fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack."
But an American official informed CNN that Biden told Netanyahu that the United States would not participate in offensive operations against Iran.
Earlier on Sunday, the security cabinet met to decide how to react to Iran's military response.
The cabinet also delegated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Security Minister Yoav Gallant, and Minister Benny Gantz to formulate a decision.
