The Biden administration has reportedly received assurances from Israel that it will not conduct strikes on Iranian nuclear or oil sites in the wake of escalating tensions following Iran’s missile attacks. U.S. officials have indicated that these assurances are part of ongoing diplomatic discussions aimed at mitigating the risks of conflict in the region.
This development comes after Iran launched approximately 180 ballistic missiles on October 1, which the U.S. helped intercept. In response to the heightened threat from Iran, the Pentagon announced the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to Israel, along with around 100 soldiers to operate the system. This decision was authorized by President Biden to bolster Israel’s air defenses amid fears of Iranian retaliation.
Despite these assurances, U.S. officials have cautioned that they are not absolute and are contingent on evolving circumstances. Historical context is important here, as Israel has a mixed track record of following through on previous commitments, often influenced by domestic political considerations. For instance, only recently, Israeli officials indicated a willingness to engage in a cease-fire initiative led by the U.S. and France regarding Lebanon, shortly before launching a significant airstrike against Hezbollah, which killed its leader.
Netanyahu’s administration has expressed that while it values U.S. input, its ultimate decisions will prioritize Israel’s national interests. The ongoing conflict has seen Israel expand its military operations against Iranian-backed Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, raising fears of a broader regional war.
U.S. officials have urged Israel to consider alternatives to direct military action against Iranian infrastructure, particularly oil sites, which could destabilize global oil prices and have economic ramifications, especially with the U.S. presidential election approaching. The administration’s stance reflects a delicate balance between supporting Israel’s right to defend itself and managing the broader geopolitical implications of such actions.
In a recent conversation, President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed the importance of protecting UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, transitioning from military actions to diplomatic solutions, and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has deteriorated amid ongoing hostilities.
While the White House National Security Council has reiterated its commitment to Israel’s defense, it has refrained from disclosing the specifics of the assurances reportedly given by Netanyahu regarding military operations against Iran, emphasizing the importance of maintaining discretion in diplomatic communications.
