Biden advises Israel not to counterattack Iran

President Joe Biden and other national security leaders have told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to counterattack Iran, after Iran launched rockets into Israel Saturday. 

Biden told Netanyahu the United States would not support a counterattack, saying Israel’s defending itself from the rockets was enough. Israel intercepted over 99% of the rockets Iran launched. 

“I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks — sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel,” Biden said in a statement after speaking with Netanyahu.  

Biden framed the interceptions as a “win” over Iran already. 

“You got a win. Take the win,” Biden told Netanyahu, according to a White House senior official.

According to CNN, there will likely be pressure for retaliation to Iran from Israel’s war cabinet. 

John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, said Israel‘s response will now be up to them. 

“I think we’re going to have to wait and see what the Israelis decide to do. I don’t know,” John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, said. He said their counterattacks to interfere with the rockets were a “success.”

“This was an incredible success, really proving Israel’s military superiority and just as critically, their diplomatic superiority, that they have friends in the region, that they have around the world that are willing to help them,” Kirby said. 

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asked Israeli officials to warn the U.S. about any retaliatory attacks. The U.S. was not notified about Israel’s attack on the Iranian Embassy in Syria, which led to Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Saturday.

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Biden is expected to call on G7 leaders to find a “united diplomatic response” without military action.

“My team will engage with their counterparts across the region. And we will stay in close touch with Israel’s leaders. And while we have not seen attacks on our forces or facilities today, we will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people,” Biden said.