Biden issues stern warning to Israel over plans to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities in response to missile attack

President Joe Biden said he does not support Israel attacking Iran’s nuclear sites in response to the missile attack on the Iranian people.

“The answer is no,” he told reporters who traveled with him to South Carolina to see the effects of Hurricane Helene.

Iran fired more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised that Iran would pay for the attack. Some analysts are concerned that this could mean an attack on Iranian nuclear sites.

Biden noted that G7 leaders had made a call earlier in the day and supported Israel — to a point.

“We will discuss with the Israelis what to do, but all seven of us agree that they have the right to respond, other than the response – but they must respond proportionately,” he said.

The G7 consists of the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Italy, France, Germany and Japan.

The leaders said a diplomatic solution is still feasible and that a conflict across the region is in no one’s interest.

Biden said more sanctions would be imposed on Iran and said he would speak with Netanyahu soon.

“It is clear that Iran is veering far off course,” he said.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the US would continue to discuss with Israel what form its response to Iran would take.

“But ultimately, as with any sovereign country, it is up to them to make their own decisions,” Miller noted.

People take photos of and stand on the remains of a rocket in Arad, Israel.

The escalation on multiple fronts has raised fears of a broader war in the Middle East that could further draw in Iran – which backs Hezbollah and Hamas – as well as the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.

Israel and Hezbollah said their forces were fighting at close quarters in southern Lebanon.

Israel said eight of its soldiers had been killed.