US President Joe Biden has stated that he is awaiting further information before making any comments on Israel's recent airstrikes in Beirut. He emphasized that the United States was not involved in the Israel Defense Forces operation. Biden mentioned that the US had no prior knowledge of or participation in the IDF action and that they are currently in the process of gathering more information.
According to a US official, Israel informed the United States about the operation once it was already underway and Israeli planes were in the air. The official clarified that the US had no foreknowledge of the operation and that the notification received did not qualify as a heads up.
An Israeli official confirmed that the notification was sent shortly before the strike and reiterated that the US did not have any role in the operation. When asked if he believed the airstrikes, reportedly targeting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, were justified, Biden refrained from providing a direct answer, stating that more details are needed before forming an opinion.
Biden expressed his ongoing concern about the potential for the conflict to escalate tensions in the region. He emphasized the importance of obtaining additional information before making any definitive statements regarding the situation.
