Biden Administration Condemns Iran’s Missile Attack, Defends Israeli Counteroffensive
The Biden administration has condemned Iran’s missile attack on Israel as “totally unacceptable” and an “escalation” while simultaneously defending Israel’s military actions against Iranian-backed militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah, The Associated Press reports.
In carefully worded statements, administration officials have drawn a distinction between Israel’s offensive, which they see as a response to ongoing threats, and Iran’s retaliatory missile attack, which they have strongly denounced.
President Joe Biden, in a show of support for Israel, lauded the “full” cooperation between the US and Israeli militaries in repelling the missile barrage and declared, “Make no mistake, the United States is fully, fully supportive of Israel.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed this sentiment, calling the Iranian attack “totally unacceptable” and urging the international community to condemn it. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also underscored the severity of Iran’s actions, calling them a “significant escalation.”
The US stance appears to reflect a shift in messaging after a week of urging both sides to pursue a ceasefire. While the administration has repeatedly stressed Israel’s right to defend itself, there has been little criticism of Israel’s escalating military actions, including a massive airstrike in Beirut that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Abbas Nilforushan.
However, the administration’s full-throated defense of Israel may come with its own risks. The US has been quick to praise Israel for a series of strikes against Hezbollah leaders, even those that may have resulted in civilian casualties. The administration’s push for a ceasefire, despite these actions, has yet to yield tangible results, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushing forward with ground incursions in Lebanon.
