Joe Biden dubbed 'weak' as reports claim he told Netanyahu US will not support retaliation against Iran

WASHINGTON, DC: In a tense late-night phone call, President Joe Biden conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States would not back any retaliatory actions against Iran, divulged sources familiar with the conversation.

The exchange came in the wake of Iran's barrage of hundreds of missiles and drones targeting Israel, a reprisal for a drone strike in Syria that claimed the lives of 12 Iranians, including two high-ranking generals.

Biden's message to Netanyahu: 'Take the win'

According to a senior White House official speaking to Axios, Biden unequivocally communicated to Netanyahu that American forces would not engage in further operations.

Netanyahu purportedly acknowledged the stance, with Biden urging him, "You got a win. Take the win," underscoring White House apprehensions that any Israeli counterattack might escalate into a broader regional conflict.

While US forces managed to intercept over 70 drones and at least three ballistic missiles during the assault, officials revealed to CNN that the inclination within the US administration is to avoid direct confrontation with Iran.

Furthermore, three senior administration officials disclosed to NBC News that Biden privately expressed concerns over Netanyahu's purported efforts to embroil the US in the conflict. Despite the White House's belief that Israel isn't actively seeking war with Iran, officials remain cautious, unable to definitively ascertain Israel's intentions.

President Biden recently released a statement reaffirming America's "ironclad commitment" to Israel's security and announced plans to convene with G7 leaders to orchestrate a diplomatic response to Iran's aggression.

"Earlier today, Iran—and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria and Iraq—launched an unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel. I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms," he said. "At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week. Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles."

"I've just spoken with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm America's ironclad commitment to the security of Israel. I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel," Biden continued.

"Tomorrow, I will convene my fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran's brazen attack. My team will engage with their counterparts across the region. And we will stay in close touch with Israel's leaders. And while we have not seen attacks on our forces or facilities today, we will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people," he added.

In a separate statement, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin detailed US forces' interception of numerous missiles and UAVs launched from multiple locations including Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.

Ballistic missiles were reportedly neutralized by warships stationed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, including the USS Bataan and accompanying support ships carrying approximately 2,500 Marines.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry defended the strikes as exercises of self-defense in response to what they termed as Israel's "recurring military aggressions," citing the recent strike on Iran's diplomatic building in Syria.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran would not hesitate to take further necessary defensive measures to protect its legitimate interests against any act of military aggression or unlawful use of force," the ministry said in a statement.

Social media backlash

The aftermath of the phone call between Biden and Netanyahu sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many slamming the POTUS over the perceived shift in US policy.

"What happened to ironclad?" one posted on X, referring to the US President's commitment to an "ironclad defense of Israel."

"Yesterday he said America will help Israel against an Iranian strike so I don't think he truly means this," another opined.

"What Biden says means absolutely nothing. That's exactly why we're in this situation to begin with, a weak and feckless Joe Biden," someone else fumed.

"He's trash," another commented.

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