As Israel contemplates its reaction to Iran’s recent attacks over the weekend, the United States has conveyed in private discussions that if Israel chooses to retaliate militarily, it will be acting independently without direct U.S. involvement, according to ABC News.
It’s an unusual message for a close ally that’s spent decades receiving more US military aid than any other country in the world and whose relationship with America is often described as “ironclad.”
But after months of Israel acting on its own in Gaza – and facing tough criticism from the U.S. and other allies that its military operations have gone too far – the Biden administration made clear the U.S. wouldn’t participate in offensive military operations against Iran, fearing a broader war in the Middle East.
“We believe Israel has freedom of action to protect itself and defend itself,” a senior administration official told reporters shortly after Iran’s attack ended. “That’s a long-standing policy, and that remains.”
When asked by a reporter if the U.S. would help Israel counter with offensive military operations, the official said no.
“We would not envision ourselves participating in such a thing,” this person said.
