According to US President Joe Biden, Israel has not yet determined how it would react to Iran’s ballistic missile attack.
During a rare appearance at the White House daily press briefing, Biden says, “If I were in their shoes, I’d be thinking about other alternatives than striking oil fields.” One reporter after another prods him with pointed questions, encouraging him to condemn Israel.
Earlier this week, Biden indicated he opposed Israel striking Iranian nuclear installations as well.
Asked whether he thinks Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is rejecting diplomatic accords in Gaza and Lebanon to influence the next presidential election, Biden says, “No administration has helped Israel more than I have. None, none, none, and I believe Bibi should remember that.
“I’m not counting on him to try to influence the election, as far as I know,” Biden continues.
When Israel determines how it wants to react to Iran, Biden expects to speak with Netanyahu.
Another correspondent says Biden does not impact Israel. The president disputes this idea, claiming that his staff is in close communication with their Israeli counterparts and that he is briefed daily.
These are the High Holidays. They are not going to decide right away. Therefore, we’ll wait to find out when they’re ready to speak,” he continues.
When asked again if Israel is following the advice of his administration, Biden highlights his May proposal for a Gaza hostage solution, which is still pending.
“I know that the plan I put together to end this has the backing of the UN Security Council and the vast majority of our allies worldwide,” states Biden.
“The Israelis are well entitled to retaliate against the savage assaults they are facing, not just from the Iranians but also from Hezbollah and the Houthis. However, the reality is that they need to handle civilian losses with far greater caution,” Biden continues, drawing on a popular talking point from the administration on the conflict.
When questioned once more about Israel’s response to Iran, Biden refuses to provide more information. “That is confidential between us.”
When asked if he would contemplate sanctions on Iran, the president responds that the issue is being discussed.
Another reporter asks if there is anything the US can do to prevent a full-scale conflict in the Middle East.
“We’re doing a lot of things. The most important thing we can do to stop this is to attempt to get the rest of the world and our friends, who are already there in Lebanon and other places, to join us. However, it’s difficult to achieve this when you have proxies as illogical as Hezbollah and the Houthis, according to Biden.