US to deploy military to Israel for protection against Iran

President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call on Thursday to discuss the escalating security situation in the Middle East, focusing on U.S. military support for Israel.

US to protect Israel from Iran

“The President discussed efforts to support Israel’s defense against threats, including against ballistic missiles and drones, to include new defensive U.S. military deployments,” the White House said.

• Biden reaffirmed the U.S.’ commitment to Israel’s security, particularly against threats from Iran and its proxy groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.
• The call, which lasted 30 minutes, follows the recent assassinations of Hezbollah’s senior general Fuad Shukr and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which have significantly heightened regional tensions.

Iran vows revenge on Israel

The Biden administration is concerned about potential retaliatory attacks from Iran, which could lead to a broader regional conflict.

• Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has vowed to respond to the Israeli airstrike in Beirut that killed his top military adviser.

We are not talking about separate fronts anymore. This is an open campaign on all fronts, and there is no doubt [the war] has entered a new phase

Hassan Nasrallah

• Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has also vowed revenge following Haniyeh’s assassination, signaling possible coordinated responses from Iran-aligned groups across the region.

It is our duty to seek revenge for his blood as he was martyred in the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Ali Khamenei

Efforts to deescalate

• Despite the tense situation, Biden emphasized the importance of deescalating broader regional tensions during the call.
• Vice President Kamala Harris, who has expressed concern over the situation in Gaza, also participated in the conversation.