The U.S. and Four European Countries: We Defend Israel Against Iranian Government Aggressions and Its Supported Terrorist Groups

On Monday, August 22, leaders of the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and Italy issued a joint statement declaring their support for defending Israel "against the aggressions of the Iranian government and the terrorist groups it supports." The leaders of these five Western allies called on the Islamic Republic of Iran to cease its ongoing threats of military attacks against Israel. According to the statement, they discussed the "serious consequences" that such an attack would have for regional security. In another part of the statement, they expressed their full support for efforts to de-escalate tensions and achieve a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages taken by Hamas. In this context, John Kirby, the National Security Council's Strategic Communications Coordinator at the White House, stated on Monday that the U.S. is prepared to counter potential "major attacks" from the Iranian government or its proxy groups in the Middle East. He noted that the United States, like Israel, is concerned about a possible attack from the Iranian government and its proxies, which is why it has increased its military presence in the region in recent days. According to Kirby, the Islamic Republic may attack Israel within the week. This senior U.S. official added that Europeans must decide their role in the event of an Iranian attack on Israel. At the same time, a senior Israeli Defense Ministry official told Voice of America on Monday that Israel is "preparing for a range of different scenarios" against the Iranian government and its proxy groups. This Israeli Defense Ministry official emphasized the "close coordination of defensive arrangements with the United States," stating that Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Defense Minister, speaks several times a week with Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Defense Secretary, and that there is a high level of "operational and strategic coordination at all levels." This Israeli official further appreciated the United States for its "deployment of significant amounts of equipment and forces in the region," emphasizing the close cooperation between the two countries to ensure interoperability between their military forces. The White House: The U.S. is ready to counter potential "major attacks" from the Iranian government against Israel. An Israeli official told Voice of America: We are preparing for various scenarios against the Islamic Republic and its proxies. The Israeli Foreign Minister: The IRGC and Hamas are trying to smuggle weapons and money to the West Bank. Continued flight cancellations to the Middle East; overseas vacations for Israeli Air Force personnel have been canceled. Israel is anticipating a large-scale attack from the Islamic Republic; the U.S. is changing its military posture in the region. The Israeli Defense Minister warned Hezbollah and the Islamic Republic of a "unprecedented response" from his country.