The Iranian attack on Israel appears to have been defeated, ineffective: Biden
Although most of the missiles were destroyed before reaching their targets, some still had an impact and caused minimal damage, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder said. (Photo: shutterstock)
Iran’s missile attack on Israel appears to have been defeated and ineffective, US President Joe Biden said, hours after Tehran fired nearly 200 missiles into Israel.
The Israeli military reportedly said there was no news of injuries from the attack.
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Biden told reporters at the White House: “At my direction, the U.S. military actively supported Israel’s defense. We are still assessing the impact, but based on what we know the attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective. and this is evidence of Israeli military capability (it is) also evidence of intensive planning (between) the United States and Israel to anticipate and defend against a brutal attack.
“Make no mistake, the United States fully supports Israel. And I just spent the morning and part of the afternoon in the situation room, meeting with my entire national security team. The national security team, as I said, is in constant contact with Israeli officials and colleagues…,” he added.
Biden ordered the US military to support Israel’s defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles aimed at the country, the White House said.
Although most of the missiles were destroyed before reaching their targets, some made an impact and caused minimal damage, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder said.
Two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers – the USS Cole and the USS Bulkeley – deployed in the eastern Mediterranean fired a dozen interceptors at the incoming Iranian ballistic missiles as part of Israel’s defense, he added.
Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the attack, saying, “I unequivocally condemn this attack. I am clear: Iran is a destabilizing, dangerous force in the Middle East and today’s attack on Israel only further proves that fact.”
Iran poses a threat not only to Israel, but also to U.S. personnel in the region, U.S. interests and innocent civilians throughout the region who suffer at the hands of Iran-based and backed terrorist allies, she added.
“We will never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend U.S. forces and interests against Iran and Iranian-backed terrorists. And we will continue to work with our allies and partners to disrupt Iran’s aggressive behavior and hold them accountable,” Harris said.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that this was Iran’s second direct attack on Israel in five months.
“This is totally unacceptable and the whole world should condemn it,” he said.
“Initial reports suggest that Israel, with the active support of the United States and other partners, effectively defeated this attack. We have once again demonstrated our commitment to Israel’s defense. We will continue to be in very close contact with Israel and other partners in the region in the hours and days ahead,” Blinken said.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters that the US military was working closely with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to help defend Israel against the attack.
“Based on what we know at this time, this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective. This was primarily a result of the IDF’s professionalism, but not least because of the US military’s skilled work and meticulous joint operations. making plans in anticipation of the attack,” he said.
“We are also aware of reports of a terrorist attack in Jaffa today that claimed the lives of a number of Israeli citizens and injured several others. Our condolences go out to the families of the victims and to the family of the Palestinian citizen in Jericho,” he added.
Sullivan further said the US would consult with the Israelis on next steps in terms of the response.
Before and during the attack, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, Ryder said.
“He reaffirmed the United States’ strong commitment to Israel’s defense and underscored that the United States continues to maintain a good posture throughout the Middle East to protect American forces and defend Israel in the face of threats from Iran and terrorist organizations supported by Iran.” he said.
Former President Donald Trump, on the other hand, blamed the Biden administration for the attack.
“The world is on fire and out of control. We have no leadership, no one is leading the country. We have a non-existent president in Joe Biden, and a completely absent Vice President Kamala Harris, who is too busy fundraising in the US. San Francisco… No one is in charge and it’s not even clear who is more confused: Biden or Kamala, neither has a clue what’s going on,” he said in a statement.
‘When I was president, Iran had everything under control. They were out of money, completely under control and desperate to make a deal. Kamala flooded them with American money and since then they have been exporting terror in all directions. ‘President Trump’, we had no war in the Middle East, no war in Europe, and Harmony in Asia, no inflation, no catastrophe in Afghanistan. Now there is war or the threat of war raging everywhere. Two incompetent people running this country are leading us to the brink of World War III. You wouldn’t trust Joe or Kamala to run a lemonade stand, let alone run the free world,” Trump said.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been reworked by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)
First publication: Oct 02, 2024 | 8:08 am IST