The Israeli war cabinet has decided to retaliate “clearly and forcefully” against the missile and drone attack carried out by Iran on Saturday, The Times of Israel reported on Monday citing the local broadcaster Channel 12. The report says Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi think that Israel should take action in response, but without harming the US-led coalition that played a crucial role in assisting Israel in defending itself against the Iranian attack. Israel intends to convey the message that it “will not allow an attack of that magnitude against it to pass without a reaction.” The response will be coordinated with the United States, the media added
Biden wants to prevent larger Middle East conflict
United States President Joe Biden on Monday expressed Washington’s willingness to prevent the further widening of the conflict in the Middle East, underlining the country’s commitment to protect the interests of the United States and its allies in the region, including Iraq. During the meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani at the White House, the US president stated that Washington is determined to secure a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel that would “bring hostages home.” Biden highlighted that the United States and Iraq are working to jointly defeat ISIS. The Iraqi prime minister stated that the ties between Washington and Baghdad stand at an “important juncture,” with Iraq striving to shift from a military relationship to a comprehensive partnership with the United States.