U.S. President Joe Biden said on Friday that Israel has not yet decided how to respond to Iran’s recent ballistic missile attack but suggested that Israel should refrain from targeting Iranian oil facilities.
During a rare White House press briefing appearance, Biden remarked, “If I were in their shoes, I’d be thinking about alternatives than striking oil fields.”
Earlier in the week, Biden had also expressed opposition to Israel targeting Iranian nuclear sites.
His latest comments followed Thursday’s remarks when he indicated that an Israeli strike on Iranian oil infrastructure was “in discussion,” causing a spike in global oil prices due to concerns over supply disruptions.
Biden emphasized that while Israel would make its own decisions regarding a response to the Iranian missile barrage, he was not prepared to negotiate publicly.
Despite Biden’s comments, reports from Hebrew media suggest that Israel’s response is being closely coordinated with Washington.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump voiced his support for Israel to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities in retaliation for the attack. Speaking at a campaign event in North Carolina, Trump criticized Biden’s stance, asserting that Israel should prioritize hitting Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
The escalating tensions follow a massive missile strike launched by Iran on Israel this past Tuesday, in what was described as Iran’s second direct attack on Israel. The assault, which sent millions of Israelis into bomb shelters, caused some damage to Israeli air bases.
A Palestinian in the West Bank was killed by shrapnel, and two Israelis were injured. Iran claimed the strike was retaliation for Israel’s alleged assassinations of key Hezbollah, Hamas, and IRGC leaders.
When asked on Friday whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was rejecting diplomatic solutions in Gaza and Lebanon to influence the U.S. presidential election, Biden denied the notion. He reiterated his administration’s strong support for Israel, saying, “No administration has helped Israel more than I have.”
Biden also noted that while he hasn’t spoken to Netanyahu in six weeks, he expects to speak with him once Israel decides on its response. Biden reassured reporters that he remains regularly briefed and that U.S. officials are in constant contact with their Israeli counterparts.
The president was also asked about Israel’s efforts to limit civilian casualties amid ongoing regional conflicts. While affirming Israel’s right to defend itself, Biden stressed the need for caution in dealing with civilian harm.
Biden declined to provide further details on Israel’s potential actions against Iran and said discussions on imposing sanctions on Iran are ongoing. He acknowledged that G7 leaders had agreed to sanction Iran in response to the escalating situation.
Pressed about preventing an all-out war in the Middle East, Biden said the U.S. is working with its allies, including efforts to tamp down tensions in Lebanon, but admitted that dealing with proxy groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis remains a significant challenge.
