Iran's attack draws Israel and US closer together after weeks of growing tension

• Published date: 14 April 2024
• Author: RON KAMPEAS/JTA
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

When Iran attacked Israel on Saturday, it pulled Israel out of the isolation it was sinking into due to its war with Hamas. But if Israel chooses to strike Iran, it could renew tensions: According to multiple sources, Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States would not support or participate in any retaliatory attack against Iran

Still, when it became clear that Iran was set to launch hundreds of drones at Israel, Biden scrambled from his Delaware beach house to the White House on Saturday. The statement from the White House National Security Council spokeswoman, Adrienne Watson, was unequivocal:

"President Biden has been clear: our support for Israel's security is ironclad," Watson said. "The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran."

Most of the missiles and drones fired by Iran were shot down. A young girl was seriously wounded, but no one has been reported killed in the attack.

Biden met and consulted with his top national security staff throughout the afternoon and evening. Toward the end of the evening, he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone.

They have spoken throughout the Israel-Hamas war, but in recent months, Biden has only spoken to Netanyahu to berate him on Israel's conduct in Gaza. Previously, Biden reportedly raised the possibility of conditioning aid to Israel — a step he had once ruled out.

This time, however, Biden was ready to shift into diplomatic overdrive to isolate Iran, according to the president's statement summarizing his call with Netanyahu, which emphasized how close the relationship remains.

"Tomorrow, I will convene my fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran's brazen attack," Biden said, referring to a group of seven major industrial powers. " My team will engage with their counterparts across the region. And we will stay in close touch with Israel's leaders."

Netanyahu, who has lashed out at Democrats and at the Biden administration for their criticism, expressed gratitude.

"We appreciate the US standing alongside Israel, as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries," he said in a video address.

Joining the US military in assisting Israel in repelling the drones were the militaries of Britain, France, and Jordan — all countries that have, in recent months, excoriated Israel to varying degrees for its military campaign in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis...