White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby reported that the Pentagon is preparing to send additional military support to Israel against a potential Iranian attack.
Speaking on a CNN broadcast, Kirby assessed the increasing tension in the Middle East and the U.S. administration’s reaction.
Recalling that U.S. President Joe Biden discussed “sending additional military support to Israel against the Iranian threat” in his phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday, Kirby reiterated their sensitivities regarding Israel’s security.
Emphasizing the threat posed by Iran to Israel, Kirby said, “I cannot go into the details (about the soldiers to be sent) right now. However, we need to ensure we have the correct resources and capacities in the region. Our Department of Defense is currently working on this.”
When asked by the host whether the military resources to be sent to Israel would include soldiers or other military equipment, Kirby responded, “It will probably be a combination of both because when you send military equipment, you also need to send the personnel who will operate it.”
President Biden had stated during his discussion with Netanyahu yesterday that they were preparing to send additional military support to Israel against the Iranian threat.
Meanwhile, in his statement last night, Biden responded, “It didn’t help,” to a question about whether the assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh might affect the possibility of a ceasefire.
Expressing that he is “very worried” about the escalation of tension in the Middle East, Biden said he had a “very clear” conversation with Netanyahu.
Biden stated during the conversation, “I was very clear about this. We have a basis for a ceasefire. (Netanyahu) should build on that. They should move forward with it immediately.”
