Biden confirms US awareness of Israel's response plans to Iran's missile strike

The United States is fully aware of Israel's intentions regarding its response to Iran's recent missile strike, US President Joe Biden announced.

Before departing from Germany, Biden addressed reporters and confirmed the US's understanding of Israel's plans, Caliber.Az reports.

When asked whether the US has insight into the timing and nature of Israel's response, Biden succinctly replied, “Yes and yes,” but he opted not to disclose further specifics.

In a broader context, Biden expressed that the recent assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar could potentially open avenues for negotiations between Israel and Iran aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“This probably gives us an opportunity to reach an agreement with Israel and Iran in a way that would end the conflict for a while,” he noted, suggesting a cautious optimism about the possibility of dialogue.

During his visit to Germany, Biden reported having a productive meeting with leaders from Germany, France, and Britain, emphasizing their “complete unity of opinion” regarding the situation. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron both stressed the need for an immediate cease-fire and the urgent return of hostages taken by Hamas.

Macron added, “The day after the end of the war in Gaza, Israel will need credible security guarantees. The Palestinian Authority must be reformed. Progress must be made towards a two-state solution,” highlighting the complexity of the issues at hand.

Yahya Sinwar, who briefly succeeded former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh after Haniyeh's assassination in Iran in late July, was a central figure in orchestrating the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. Israel has consistently emphasized its commitment to neutralizing Sinwar, viewing him as a significant threat.

In a stark message to Gaza’s residents, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “This is not the end of the war in Gaza, but the beginning of the end. I have a simple message to the people of Gaza: this war can end tomorrow. It can end if Hamas lays down its arms and returns our hostages.”

In the wake of Sinwar's assassination, Hamas indicated that negotiations regarding hostage releases and cease-fire conditions could become “more difficult and confusing,” illustrating the potential complications arising from leadership changes within the organization.

On the military front, Israeli authorities have requested a second THAAD missile defence system from the United States, anticipating a possible Iranian retaliation to an Israeli offensive. Reports indicate that Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has approved the deployment of the THAAD system along with a contingent of US military personnel to bolster Israel's air defence capabilities in light of recent escalations.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army has reported significant casualties among Hezbollah fighters, estimating around 1,500 losses during its operations in Lebanon. 

Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi stated, “We believe that about 1,500 Hezbollah fighters were eliminated, and this is a conservative estimate. I think that [the enemy's losses are] more <...> as a result of multiple strikes.”

Halevi further asserted that Hezbollah is concealing its losses and the deaths of its commanders, indicating potential morale issues within the group. He also mentioned instances of Hezbollah members surrendering, suggesting a crisis in their ranks.

By Tamilla Hasanova