John Kirby "Biden Does Not Want Tensions in the Middle East"
NYT "Netanyahu Withdraws Retaliation Plan After Call with Biden"
As Iran attacked the Israeli mainland, the White House clearly stated that it does not want an escalation between the two countries. It is reported that Israel withdrew its retaliatory strikes against Iran in response to the U.S. demand to refrain from counterattacks to prevent escalation.
John Kirby, White House National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications, appeared on NBC, ABC, and other broadcasts on the 14th (local time) and said, "Israel's response is entirely up to them, and we respect that," while adding, "President Joe Biden has made it clear that we do not want a war with Iran or increased tensions in the Middle East."
When asked about the possibility of escalation in the Middle East, he said, "I don't think there is any reason for that," and "President Biden also believes we should not go in that direction."
Kirby also emphasized, "Last night, Israel demonstrated tremendous capability in self-defense," and "Israel is not isolated and is confirmed to be with its allies."
Regarding media reports that President Biden conveyed opposition to retaliatory strikes against Iran during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the previous day, he said, "The main message was that the U.S. supports Israel's right to self-defense," and "U.S. support for Israel's self-defense remains ironclad."
When asked on CBS whether Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed with President Biden's stance against escalation, Kirby responded, "Netanyahu knows that President Biden does not want conflict with Iran."
Regarding further discussions between the U.S. and Israel, he said, "Working-level talks are ongoing, and we expect expanded conversations within this week."
On the stalled Israel-Ukraine security aid budget bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, he urged, "Move quickly so they can receive the support they need," calling for swift passage of the budget bill.
After Iran's airstrike the previous day, Israel considered retaliatory attacks. However, local media including The New York Times (NYT) reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu canceled the counterattack plan immediately after the call with President Biden. It is known that President Biden repeatedly emphasized restraint in retaliation to prevent escalation and conveyed that the U.S. would neither participate in nor support attacks against Iran. It was also reported that the joint defense efforts of Israel, the U.S., the U.K., and other countries thwarted Iran's attack on Israel.
However, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant stated on the same day, "The confrontation with Iran is not over yet."
Meanwhile, the crisis of the 5th Middle East war escalated as Iran launched its first attack on the Israeli mainland after Israel bombed the Iranian consulate in Syria on the 1st. In response, Iran launched armed drones and missiles toward the Israeli mainland the previous night as a retaliatory attack. However, Israel announced that it intercepted 99% of the approximately 300 Iranian projectiles and did not suffer significant damage.
It is also evaluated that Iran moderated the level of its retaliatory attack despite striking the Israeli consulate. Iran indicated that it would not carry out additional attacks unless Israel retaliates. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said, "Iran does not intend to continue defensive operations," adding, "If necessary, we will not hesitate to protect our legitimate interests against new attacks."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
