The Biden administration has reportedly received assurances from Israel that it will refrain from attacking Iranian nuclear or oil sites in retaliation for Iran’s recent missile strikes. To further ease Israel’s security concerns, the U.S. has deployed a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery and soldiers to operate it in Israel.
While Israel’s commitments are not guaranteed, the Pentagon’s THAAD deployment was authorized by President Biden to enhance Israel’s air defenses. However, past instances have shown Israel’s unpredictable behavior, such as launching airstrikes despite promising diplomatic solutions.
In response, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have warned Israel to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza within 30 days or risk losing U.S. weapons funding. Amid escalating tensions, the Middle East is concerned about possible Israeli strikes on Iranian sites, potentially leading to a regional conflict.
Biden has opposed Israeli retaliation on Iran’s nuclear facilities and urged alternative actions to avoid disrupting the global oil market. The political divide over the conflict is evident, with Kamala Harris and Arab American leaders showing differing stances.
Despite these challenges, Biden reaffirmed support for Israel and engaged in talks with Israeli officials to de-escalate tensions and address humanitarian crises in Gaza and southern Lebanon.