President Biden made it clear on Wednesday that he does not support an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear sites in response to Iran's recent missile strike on Israel. The attack, which saw 181 missiles fired at Israel, has heightened concerns of a potential regional conflict.
During a brief interaction with reporters before boarding Air Force One, Biden mentioned that leaders from France, Canada, Japan, Britain, Italy, and Germany all agreed that Israel has the right to respond to Iran's military actions, but emphasized that any response should be proportional.
Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's vow that Iran would face consequences for the attack, Biden explicitly stated that he would not back an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The missile attack by Iran has further escalated tensions in the region, where the Biden administration has been actively involved in negotiations to bring an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
However, the administration's efforts to broker a ceasefire have faced challenges, with National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby acknowledging the daunting task of reaching a deal. Reports suggest that a resolution to the conflict remains elusive.
During a recent vice presidential debate, discussions around the situation in the region highlighted differing approaches to foreign policy. While Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz praised Vice President Harris for her steady leadership and coalition-building efforts, Republican Ohio Sen. JD Vance expressed support for former President Trump's 'peace through strength' policy.
Vance emphasized that it is ultimately up to Israel to decide how to safeguard its security, echoing the sentiment that allies should be supported in their efforts against adversaries.
The debate underscored the complex dynamics at play in the region and the divergent views on how best to address the ongoing conflict. As tensions persist, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely.
