U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday hailed coordination with Israel to “defeat” Iran’s massive drone and missile attack over the weekend.
“The United States is committed to Israel’s security,” said Biden, ahead of a meeting with Iraq’s leader at the White House.
“We’re committed to a ceasefire that will bring the hostages home, and preventing conflict from spreading beyond what it already has,” added the American president, referring to Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant overnight Monday to reinforce Washington’s commitment to the Jewish state’s security and emphasize the importance of upholding regional stability.
The two men “discuss[ed] the aftermath of Iran’s unprecedented April 13 attacks, which U.S., Israeli, and partner forces thwarted in a combined defensive operation. The Secretary reiterated steadfast U.S. support for Israel’s defense and reaffirmed the strategic goal of regional stability,” according to a Pentagon readout of the call.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday and “expressed support for any decision that Israel makes in light of the Iranian attack,” per an Israeli readout.
Israel’s War Cabinet is in the process of deciding on a “painful” response to the Islamic Republic’s massive drone and missile assault overnight Saturday.
