2024-04-13 14:06:52
The threats of an Iranian attack on Israel are credible and real, the spokesman for the National Security Council at the White House, John Kirby, said today, but refused to give more details about its possible timing and objectives, reported France Presse.
President Joe Biden “has been briefed repeatedly by his national security team” and the US intends “to do everything possible to ensure that Israel can defend itself,” Kirby added.
“We would be foolish not to assess our own positions in the region to make sure we are properly prepared,” the spokesman said.
Kirby again did not give details about possible movements of American forces in the region, BTA reported.
The risk of an escalation in the ongoing conflict in Gaza has increased following Iran’s threats against Israel, which was blamed for the strike that destroyed the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1. 16 people died then, including two generals from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran’s ideological army.
A sworn enemy of Israel and an ally of Hamas, Iran has threatened to “punish” the Jewish state after the destruction of its consulate.
Israel and the United States are “shoulder to shoulder” to counter Iran, which has threatened to retaliate against the recent attack on its consulate in Damascus, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant said today.
“Our enemies think they can divide Israel and the United States, but the opposite is happening: they are bringing us closer and strengthening our ties,” the minister said in a statement after a meeting with US General Michael Eric Kurilla, who is visiting Israel.
“We are ready to defend ourselves on the ground and in the air, in close cooperation with our partners, and we know how to respond,” Gallant added.
During his visit to Israel, the US general will discuss “security threats in the region”, the US Department of Defense announced. US President Biden has promised Israel “unwavering” support against Iran, AP points out.