Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted Israel's sovereignty in determining its response to Iran's recent aggression, rebuffing calls from the Biden administration for restraint. Following Iran's missile attack on Israeli territory, Netanyahu emphasized that while Israel values U.S. input, decisions will be made in its national interest.
The Biden administration, concerned about escalating tensions, engaged in discussions with Israeli officials to seek clarity on Israel's plans. White House officials indicated that Israel had committed to refraining from targeting Iran's critical infrastructure, following assurances from Netanyahu during recent high-level talks.
Despite the diplomatic exchanges, Vice President Kamala Harris declined to comment on the administration's influence over Netanyahu. In a show of support, President Biden authorized the deployment of an advanced missile defense system, THAAD, to Israel, along with U.S. troops to operate it.
The THAAD system, previously deployed for exercises in 2019, aims to enhance Israel's defense capabilities against sophisticated missiles in Iran's arsenal. The Pentagon underscored the U.S.'s unwavering commitment to Israel's defense and protecting Americans in the region from potential ballistic missile threats.
