Biden and Netanyahu to Discuss Israel’s Military Strategy Against Iran
President Biden is expected to hold a crucial phone call on Wednesday morning with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Israel’s plans to strike Iran, according to three U.S. officials.
Why it Matters
The call represents the first dialogue between Biden and Netanyahu in two tense months and comes as Israel considers major attacks that could escalate its regional war.
Behind the Scenes
Netanyahu spent hours on Tuesday night with senior ministers and heads of Israel’s military and intelligence services to decide the scope and timing of Israel’s anticipated attacks, according to two Israeli officials.
- The officials indicate that Israel’s retaliation is expected to be significant, likely involving a combination of airstrikes on military targets in Iran and clandestine operations, similar to the attack that killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
- Israel has also considered strikes on Iran’s oil infrastructure, an action that Biden has indicated he would oppose.
- A Netanyahu aide mentioned that once a decision is made, Netanyahu would brief Biden.
The Other Side
“We want to use the call to try and shape the limitations of the Israeli retaliation,” a U.S. official stated.
- The U.S. official emphasized the importance of Israel attacking targets in Iran that are significant without crossing the line into disproportionate responses.
The Big Picture
The upcoming Biden-Netanyahu call arrives one week after Iran launched approximately 180 ballistic missiles at Israel.
- Many missiles were intercepted, yet two Israeli air bases sustained damage, while several missiles landed near the Mossad headquarters in Tel Aviv without causing destruction.
- Iran executed the attack in response to a series of Israeli assassinations targeting senior Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian officials. Tehran asserted that its response would cease unless further Israeli actions were taken against Iran.
- Israel has pledged retaliation, leading both U.S. and Israeli officials to anticipate ongoing tit-for-tat attacks, with Iran likely responding to any Israeli actions.
State of Play
National security adviser Jake Sullivan informed Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer on Friday that the U.S. expects “clarity and transparency” from Israel regarding its military plans due to their implications for U.S. forces and interests in the area.
- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant planned to travel to Washington on Tuesday, but the trip was canceled at the last minute by Netanyahu.
- Netanyahu informed Gallant that his trip wouldn’t be approved until he had spoken with Biden and the Israeli security cabinet confirmed the attack plans.
- The Biden-Netanyahu call was already scheduled prior to the fallout between Netanyahu and Gallant.
What’s Next
U.S. officials stated that Biden and Netanyahu will also discuss the ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza. The White House declined to comment.
Expert Discussion
To provide insights into this developing situation, we have gathered a panel of experts:
- Dr. Emily Roth, Middle East Policy Expert: What diplomatic strategies do you suggest for the U.S. to manage Israel’s military actions without escalating tensions?
- Colonel Tom Hanson, Former Defense Attaché: How do you view the potential impact of Israeli strikes on Iran’s military capabilities?
- Professor Sarah Kline, International Relations Scholar: In light of historical retaliations, what does this mean for future U.S.-Iran relations?
Join the conversation—what are your thoughts on the implications of this call? Share your insights in the comments below!