US would not participate in Israeli response against Iran, defense and security officials say
While the Biden administration remains committed to defending Israel, top administration defense and security officials made it clear Sunday the U.S. would not be a part of any Israeli response.
"We believe Israel has freedom of action to defend itself, in Syria or elsewhere. That's a long-standing policy and that remains," a senior official said. "But no, we would not envision ourselves participating in such a thing."
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Sunday afternoon, according to a U.S. official who described the exchange as “direct.” The official said Austin told Gallant that while the U.S. will continue to defend Israel, it does not envision being part of offensive operations against Iran.
A senior administration official also said President Joe Biden stressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a call Saturday night that Israel had prevailed against Iran's strike against Israel.
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-ABC News' Mary K. Bruce