Joe Biden, Netanyahu discuss tensions with Iran; Israeli Defence Minister warns of ‘lethal’ Israeli attack
On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke during tensions with Iran, as Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned that an Israeli attack on Iran would be deadly, accurate, and unexpected.
The first confirmed conversation between Biden and Netanyahu since August took place amidst a heightened conflict between Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah, with no ceasefire in sight for the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The Middle East has been tense as it awaits Israel’s reaction to a missile strike by Tehran last week in response to Israel’s increased military activity in Lebanon. The Iranian assault ultimately resulted in no casualties in Israel and was deemed ineffective by Washington.
Also read: Who is Esmail Qaani? Iran’s Quds Force leader missing since Beirut strikes
Following Iran’s unsuccessful missile strike on October 1, Gallant warned in a video from his office that anyone who attacks his country will suffer consequences and face repercussions. “Our assault will be lethal, accurate, and most importantly unexpected; they will be confused about the events and their outcomes,” said Gallant.
Netanyahu vowed that Iran will be held accountable for its missile strike, while Tehran warned that any response would result in extensive damage, sparking concerns of an expanded conflict in the oil-rich area that may involve the United States.
Israel-US relations strained over Israel’s handling of Gaza and Hezbollah conflicts
Tensions between Biden and Netanyahu have been high due to the Israeli leader’s management of the Gaza conflict and the Hezbollah dispute.
In “War,” a book out next week, journalist Bob Woodward reports that Biden regularly accused Netanyahu of having no strategy, and shouted “Bibi, what the fuck?” at him in July, after Israeli strikes near Beirut and in Iran.
Also read: Netanyahu slams Macron over calls for ‘Arms Embargo’
When asked about the book, a US official who is knowledgeable about the two leaders’ previous interactions stated that Biden has employed blunt, straightforward, uncensored, and vivid language when discussing Netanyahu during his time in office.
Recent weeks have seen growing tensions as US officials were caught off guard multiple times by Israeli actions, as reported by a source familiar with the situation.
The actions mentioned were the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israel and the destruction of communication devices used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon, which Israel has not officially acknowledged.
Israel has also been slow to share details of its planning for retaliation against Iran’s ballistic missile attack, the person said.
Israel faces calls of ceasefire deal by US and allies
Last Friday, Biden expressed willingness to consider options other than attacking Iranian oil fields if he were in Israel’s position, stating that he believed Israel had not yet decided on a course of action against Iran. The previous week, he also stated he would not back Israel in attacking Iranian nuclear facilities.
Israel has been urged by the United States and other allies to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, but they have stated that they will persist with their military actions until Israelis are out of harm’s way.
