Biden, Netanyahu speak after ‘Iran’s brazen attack’

President Biden and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke following “Iran’s brazen attack” that targeted Israel on Saturday.

“Earlier today, Iran—and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria and Iraq—launched an unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel,” Biden said in a Saturday night statement. “I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms.” 

The president said he reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel and condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks during the call.

“I’ve just spoken with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel,” Biden said. “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.” 

Iran launched a wave of drone and missile attacks on Saturday. They were anticipated in light of Tehran’s public threats towards Israel after an alleged Israeli strike in early April near Iran’s consulate in Damascus, Syria killed two senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officers. 

Israel said it intercepted most of the missiles with the help of allied defense systems, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Ramon air base in southern Israel was struck by seven missiles, Iranian state-run media outlets reported, while also some hit Nevatim air base. 

“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,” Biden said. “Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles.” 

Biden said that he will convene with G7 leaders on Saturday to “coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack.” 

“My team will engage with their counterparts across the region,” the president said. “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.”