The United States urges Israel to refrain from attacking Iran’s nuclear and oil facilities as this could lead to an escalation of the regional conflict.
However, Israeli leaders are currently not revealing to the Biden administration details of their plans for possible retaliatory measures against Tehran, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing sources in Washington.
The first telephone conversation in seven weeks between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently took place. Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken also participated in the call. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the conversation between the leaders was “direct” and “productive,” but details of the discussion were unknown.
Sources say the Biden administration is unhappy that it was not notified in advance about recent Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The United States hoped to learn more about Israel’s plans at a meeting between Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. However, at Netanyahu’s request, Galant’s visit to Washington was postponed.
Israel’s operation in Lebanon last month against Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was carried out without warning to Washington, causing resentment among the US military that it did not have time to protect its own forces in the region.
Kursor also reported that the permanent representative of the Russian Federation to the UN again criticized Israel.
