Iranian missiles hit Israel, Biden urges restraint
Biden advises Israel to respond cautiously to Iranian missile attack
After Iranian missiles struck Israel on 1 October, President Joe Biden’s administration quickly urged Israel to pause. Washington advised Israel to consider its options, emphasising that there was time to respond effectively. The United States assessed that without Israel’s defence, supported by U.S. military aid, the Iranian strike could have killed thousands.
Officials feared that such a significant attack might prompt a swift Israeli response, potentially leading to a broader regional conflict just weeks before the U.S. presidential election. This narrative from U.S. officials outlines how the United States influenced Israel during the three weeks before it retaliated on Saturday with precise airstrikes targeting military sites.
These airstrikes dismantled key Iranian air defences and missile production facilities, significantly weakening Iran’s military capabilities. Importantly, these strikes avoided Iran’s nuclear sites and energy infrastructure, adhering to President Biden’s primary conditions.
Iran was successful in saturating Israel’s air defense systems, and missiles are hitting their targets.
No reaction from the White House or acting-President Kamala Harris yet.pic.twitter.com/BdJsg3NEfQ
— Bad Hombre (@joma_gc) October 1, 2024
“U.S. pressure was critically important,” stated Jonathan Panikoff, a former deputy U.S. national intelligence officer for the Middle East. He noted that Israeli decisions would have differed without the Biden administration’s intervention to avoid targeting nuclear or energy sites.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuted claims that U.S. pressure influenced Israel’s decision to avoid striking Iranian gas and oil facilities. “Israel chose attack targets based on its national interests, not American directives,” he asserted.
Biden’s administration initially acknowledged that Iran would face consequences for the 1 October attack. “In the hours after that attack, we promised serious consequences for Iran,” a senior Biden administration official mentioned.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held around a dozen calls with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, since 1 October. Austin and Gallant discussed potential responses, with Austin advocating for a proportional reaction.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, alongside other senior officials, engaged with European and Arab allies following Iran’s attack. They explained Israel’s need to respond while assuring allies that Washington was seeking a measured approach.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Jerusalem Post reports on escalating tensions in the Middle East, focusing on Israel’s strikes against Iran and Hezbollah, highlighting international calls for restraint and ceasefire efforts.(read more)
- NBC News reports on escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, detailing Israel’s targeted strikes on Iranian military sites in retaliation for months of Iranian attacks on Israel, with the U.S. urging de-escalation efforts.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened on October 1st between Iran and Israel?
Iranian missiles struck Israel, prompting a quick response from the Biden administration.
How did the U.S. influence Israel’s response to the attack?
The U.S. urged Israel to pause and consider options, advocating for a proportional reaction.
What was the outcome of Israel’s airstrikes on Iran?
Israel’s airstrikes dismantled key Iranian air defences and missile production facilities.
Did Israel target Iran’s nuclear or energy sites?
No, Israel avoided targeting Iran’s nuclear sites and energy infrastructure.
What was the role of U.S. officials in the aftermath of the attack?
U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, engaged with allies and advocated for a measured response.
