White House supports Israel’s defense actions but unclear on offense
- Conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated in recent weeks
- The US recently deployed additional troops to the region
- White House is closely monitoring the violence
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(NewsNation) —The Biden administration is closely monitoring missile attacks launched by Iran into Israel, but while the White House says it fully supports Israel’s right to defense, it may not be on the same page when it comes to offensive use of force.
The Israeli Defense Force said Iran had launched at least 180 missiles toward Israel Tuesday as an anticipated conflict ramps up between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Tensions between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel have ramped up in recent weeks. Following the death of a top Hezbollah commander, Israel launched what it described as a “limited military campaign” in Lebanon.
Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been in the situation room watching the attack and said the military has been ordered to assist in shooting down missiles.
Biden said that the attack “appears to have been defeated and ineffective” and that the U.S. is “fully fully fully supportive of Israel.”
But the administration was not as clear about Israel’s offensive use of force, NewsNation’s Joe Khalil said on The Hill.
“What the White House is not saying yet is what is next for Israel and what their next move is in terms of offensive toward Iran and whether the United States is going to have a role in that,” he said.
“The Biden administration continues to criticize Netanyahu for his posture in Lebanon for what’s happening in Gaza and his posture toward Iran more generally so we’re going to have to watch how they work together now.”
Israel has accused Hezbollah of attempting to invade the country from the north and engaged in a number of attacks against the group. Prior to the ground assault, Israel told people in 27 villages near the Lebanese border to evacuate.
In Haifa, NewsNation’s Robert Sherman reported hearing explosions as Israel intercepted missiles. Residents in several areas of the country were urged to take cover for a period of time before being told they could leave protected areas.
Israeli Defense Force spokesperson Rear Adm. David Hagari warned the attack would have consequences and Israel would retaliate at “a time and place” of its choosing.
The attack is similar to one Iran launched in Israel, however, this attack used ballistic missiles rather than drones. Missiles are faster and more difficult for Israel to intercept and shoot down than slow-moving drones, giving the country’s air defense systems less time to respond.
