By Tiffany Williams –
Israeli leaders on Sunday expressed gratitude towards an international military coalition for their support in preventing a major attack on the country by Iran, which involved the use of hundreds of drones and missiles. The coordinated response from the coalition was viewed as a foundation for a strategic alliance against Tehran’s aggressive actions in the region.
The shooting down of numerous drones and missiles launched by Iran has raised some uncertainties regarding the involvement of Israel’s neighboring countries. While Israeli military officials have hinted at the involvement of “partners”, they have refrained from naming them. Similarly, White House national security spokesman John Kirby has avoided revealing the names of the countries involved.
However, Jordan has described its actions as self-defense, indicating its possible involvement, and on Sunday Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi to discuss Iran’s unprecedented air attack on Israel and the need to avoid further escalation in the region.
During their talk they also reaffirmed the importance of diplomatic efforts to achieve an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza that provides lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
Secretary Blinken thanked Jordan for its leadership in providing life-saving humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, including through the joint U.S.-Jordan airdrops and overland deliveries.
In Washington the message to foreign leaders was clear from both the State Department and Department of Defense. Both Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III expressed the United States does not seek escalation, we will continue to take all necessary action to defend Israel.
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed Sunday that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant for a third time this weekend. During that conversation Austin reviewed the successful combined operation by the United States, Israel, and their partners to defend Israel from unprecedented attacks launched from Iranian territory and by Iran’s proxies.
The Secretary emphasized “That while the United States does not seek escalation, we will continue to take all necessary action to defend Israel and U.S. personnel. Secretary Austin also briefed Minister Gallant on his consultations with partners and allies to reinforce international resolve in the face of Iranian aggression.”
Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder also confirmed that Secretary Austin spoke on Sunday with the Saudi Minister of Defense, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman, to discuss unprecedented attacks launched from Iranian territory and by Iran’s proxies in the region into Israel.
During their conversation Austin emphasized “That while the United States does not seek escalation, we will continue to defend Israel and U.S. personnel.”
The Secretary also underscored the importance of the enduring U.S. defense partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reiterated the United States’ commitment to working with the Kingdom and other partners to deescalate tensions in the region.
Matthew Miller, Spokesperson for Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken confirmed that Blinken spoke on Sunday with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. Blinken and the Foreign Minister discussed the unprecedented air attack on Israel by Iran, and both underscored the importance of avoiding escalation and coordinating a diplomatic response.
Miller also confirmed that Blinken spoke on Sunday with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud about Saturday’s air attack against Israel by Iran. During that conversation, Miller says, “The Secretary reiterated that while the United States does not seek escalation, we will continue to support Israel’s defense. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister agreed on the importance of a coordinated diplomatic response. The two agreed to stay in close touch on those efforts.”
At the White House Sunday afternoon, President Joe Biden convened a call with Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Senate Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker of the House Johnson, and House Minority Leader Jeffries.
During the President’s call he discussed Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel, and discussed the urgent need for the House of Representatives to pass the national security supplemental as soon as possible.
President Biden also on Sunday, participated in a secure call with G7 Leaders to discuss Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel.
The G7 Leaders issued a statement and in it they said, “We, the Leaders of the G7, unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s direct and unprecedented attack against Israel. Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel. Israel, with the help of its partners, defeated the attack. We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security.”
The G7 added, “With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided. We will continue to work to stabilize the situation and avoid further escalation. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives.”