Biden and Netanyahu Discuss U.S. Commitment to Israel's Security Against Islamic Republic Threats

On Thursday, August 2, U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed the United States' commitment to Israel's security against all threats from the Islamic Republic and its proxy groups during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden, who was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, mentioned 'terrorist' proxy groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, supporting efforts to uphold Israel's right to defend itself against threats, including ballistic missiles and drones. He also emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to reduce tensions in the region, referencing the 'new U.S. defensive military deployment.' A senior U.S. official had previously stated that Biden and Netanyahu discussed the implications of the recent killings of two Hezbollah and Hamas officials. Meanwhile, Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor, stated at a press conference on the same day that the U.S. is monitoring ongoing developments in the Middle East, with the Biden administration focused on preventing the escalation of conflicts into a broader regional war, a persistent threat that remains. Axios reported that the Biden administration believes the Islamic Republic intends to respond to the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, in a manner similar to the April 13 attack on Israel, potentially on a larger scale and with Hezbollah's involvement. Three U.S. officials told Axios that the United States is prepared to counter this potential attack. A U.S. defense official noted that the increase in tensions following the deaths of senior Hamas and Hezbollah officials has not prompted the Pentagon to deploy additional forces, but the U.S. has stationed at least 12 warships in the surrounding areas. This official, who requested anonymity, told the Washington Post that these ships include the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, its accompanying warships, and the amphibious ready group Wasp, which consists of three ships and over 4,000 Marines and sailors. The USS Theodore Roosevelt was stationed in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday, August 1, alongside six American destroyers. In the eastern Mediterranean, three amphibious ships—USS Wasp, USS Oak Hill, and USS New York—were deployed along with two destroyers, USS Buckley and USS Roosevelt. According to the report, no American warships were present in the Red Sea, even as the U.S. military has recently been engaged with Houthi forces backed by the Islamic Republic, which have conducted multiple attacks on commercial shipping in the region in recent months. Simultaneously, an Israeli government spokesperson stated on Thursday, August 2, that Israel is prepared for any potential retaliation from the Islamic Republic and its allies following the deaths of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders, and will respond 'severely' to any attack. Claims from a state media expert suggested that Haniyeh was killed by an Israeli missile due to his team's security weaknesses. Axios reported on the U.S. readiness for a 'potential Islamic Republic attack' on Israel. The U.S. supported Israel's approach in ceasefire negotiations regarding Gaza. The White House stated that it is monitoring ongoing developments in the Middle East, with the Biden administration focused on preventing a 'broad regional war.' The escalation of tensions in the Middle East has led the U.S. to deploy at least 12 warships in the region. The killing of Fouad Shukr represents the heaviest blow to Hezbollah in Lebanon in 16 years.