Gallant’s US Trip Canceled as Biden and Bibi Discuss Iran Strike

Oct 9, 2024 8:18 am | News, Ticker, Virtual Jerusalem

Deep US-Israel Tensions as Biden Biography Reveals F-Bomb-Filled Outbursts Against Bibi by Lame Duck White House Resident

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden are expected to hold a pivotal conversation about Israel’s imminent military response to Iran’s unprecedented missile strike on October 1. The attack, which saw over 200 ballistic missiles fired from Iranian territory into Israel, marks a significant escalation in the conflict.

As Israel prepares to retaliate, the scope of its response is drawing global attention, with Israeli leaders vowing it will be “significant and serious.” Meanwhile, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s sudden cancellation of his U.S. trip signals growing tensions within the Israeli government, further complicating decision-making at a critical juncture.

The cancelation of the Galant’s visit was in response to Netanyahu’s insistence that he discuss next steps with Biden and that the government approves strike plans.

“Unprecedented Response” on the Horizon

Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has been unequivocal in his statements following the Iranian missile barrage, signaling that Iran will face severe repercussions. “Iran will pay a heavy price for this attack,” Gallant declared. In the days since the missile strikes, the Israeli government has made it clear that the retaliation will be nothing short of extraordinary. “This will be an unprecedented response,” a senior Israeli official told Channel 12 News. “We urge Israelis to remain alert and not go to bed tonight without being prepared for what’s coming.”

According to defense sources, the IDF has been preparing for a series of strikes on key Iranian targets, including missile production facilities, energy infrastructure, and nuclear sites such as Natanz and Fordow. These operations are designed to cripple Iran’s military capabilities and send a strong message that direct aggression on Israeli soil will not be tolerated.

A high-ranking Israeli military official emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We are entering a new phase of conflict. This is no longer about indirect confrontations via proxies; Iran directly attacked us, and the response will be just as direct and severe.”

Gallant’s Trip Canceled Amid Tensions

In a surprising development, Gallant’s planned trip to the U.S., which was expected to involve key discussions with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, was abruptly canceled. According to sources, Netanyahu blocked Gallant’s trip until clearer decisions are made regarding Israel’s response to the Iranian attack. The cancellation has fueled speculation about increasing distrust between Netanyahu and Gallant. Some officials have suggested that Netanyahu’s insistence on leading the decision-making process reflects a lack of confidence in Gallant’s ability to handle the situation decisively.

A senior Israeli political source noted, “This move is highly unusual and signals deeper issues within the government. Netanyahu wants clear decision-making, and it appears he feels that delaying Gallant’s trip was necessary to ensure a united front.”

The cancellation is a further sign of growing friction between Netanyahu and Gallant, particularly as Gallant has publicly voiced caution in the past regarding full-scale military actions. This latest episode underscores the delicate balance of power within Israel’s defense establishment as it navigates an increasingly volatile situation with Iran.

Tensions Over Retaliation Plans

Israeli officials, including Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, have pointed out that the IDF is fully capable of striking “any point in the Middle East.” This includes Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and missile production lines, which have long been identified as existential threats by the Israeli government. Halevi noted that Israel’s response would be “significant and serious”, echoing Gallant’s earlier warning. “We have the capability to reach anywhere in the region, and we will use that power when necessary,” Halevi asserted.

Behind the scenes, Israeli and U.S. officials have been engaged in ongoing discussions about the upcoming military operations. The Biden administration, while supportive of Israel’s right to self-defense, has urged caution to prevent the escalation from spiraling into a full-blown regional war. However, Israeli officials remain adamant that Iran’s missile strike cannot go unanswered.

“We are coordinating with our allies, including the U.S., but the decision to act rests with us,” an Israeli source familiar with the military’s plans told The Times of Israel. “The missile attack crossed every red line. Our response will reflect that.”

Bad Blood and F-Bombs: Woodward’s Revelations

A new book by veteran journalist Bob Woodward sheds light on the growing personal animosity between Netanyahu and Biden. According to Woodward, Biden has been increasingly frustrated with Netanyahu’s policies and approach to leadership. In one particularly scathing passage, Woodward reveals that Biden has privately referred to Netanyahu with harsh language, allegedly saying, “I’m so f**king tired of this guy.”

The remarks, reportedly made during internal discussions at the White House, point to Biden’s deep-seated frustration with Netanyahu’s political maneuvering and his perceived reluctance to follow through on agreements. Woodward writes that Biden has grown weary of Netanyahu’s hardline stance, particularly on issues concerning the Palestinians and military actions in the region.

“This is not just a matter of policy differences,” Woodward explains in the book. “Biden sees Netanyahu as someone who is playing a dangerous game, pushing the U.S. into increasingly precarious positions in the Middle East.”

Tensions Over War Plans and Information-Sharing

The upcoming call between Biden and Netanyahu takes place in an atmosphere of rising tension over Israel’s military operations and its refusal to fully disclose its war plans to Washington. Reports suggest that U.S. defense officials have been growing anxious over Israel’s autonomy in making decisions regarding military strikes, especially those involving Hezbollah or Iranian assets.

“There’s concern that Israel is moving forward without keeping us adequately informed,” said a U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We want to know exactly what they’re planning, particularly when it involves potential operations against Iran.”

The current disagreement centers on Israel’s reluctance to share detailed intelligence on the timing and scale of its anticipated retaliatory strikes, a sensitive issue as the Biden administration tries to balance supporting Israel’s right to self-defense with preventing a broader conflict in the region.

Israel’s Push for U.S. Support in Striking Iran

Despite the friction, Netanyahu is expected to press Biden for U.S. backing in a planned military strike on Iranian targets. The Israeli leadership has made it clear that it views Tehran as the mastermind behind Hamas’s activities and has pointed to evidence of Iranian support for Hezbollah and other groups operating in Gaza and Lebanon.

Speaking in a press conference, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said, “We are facing a multi-front war that is backed by Iran. Their hand is in every hostile action against Israel, and we must respond decisively.” Gallant added that the time has come for Israel to take more direct action against Iranian military and infrastructure targets.

Israeli officials are reportedly preparing intelligence briefings for the U.S. on a number of potential targets inside Iran, including:

  1. Rocket Manufacturing and Launch Sites: Iranian-backed militia groups have been equipped with sophisticated rocket systems built with Iranian support. Many of these rockets are manufactured in underground facilities in Iran and distributed to Hezbollah in Lebanon and militias in Syria and Iraq.
  2. Air Bases: Iranian air bases, particularly those used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to launch drone strikes and long-range missiles, are considered high-priority targets. Israeli officials are concerned that Iran could use these assets to strike Israeli cities and military installations.
  3. Energy Infrastructure: Israel has identified Iran’s oil and gas infrastructure as a critical vulnerability. Hitting these targets could cripple Iran’s ability to finance its proxy forces in the region. According to intelligence sources, Israel believes this would be a key step in cutting off the financial lifeline Tehran provides to Hamas and Hezbollah.
  4. Nuclear Sites: Iranian nuclear facilities, including the enrichment plants at Natanz and Fordow, have long been a source of concern for Israel. There is speculation that Israel may attempt to take out parts of Iran’s nuclear program as part of a broader strike package. Netanyahu has previously warned that Israel will not tolerate an Iranian nuclear bomb, and now, with heightened tensions, the military option is once again on the table.
  5. Iranian Leadership: As part of its retaliatory plans, Israel could also target key figures within Iran’s leadership, particularly members of the IRGC who are believed to be directly responsible for coordinating attacks on Israel. Israel has a history of eliminating high-ranking Iranian military figures, most notably Qassem Soleimani in 2020.

Biden’s Dilemma: Support or Restraint?Netanyahu to Press for U.S. Support

Netanyahu, who is expected to press Biden for unequivocal U.S. backing during their conversation, is likely to argue that this is a critical moment to weaken Iran’s strategic capabilities. Iran’s direct involvement in the attack, coupled with its ongoing support for Hezbollah and Hamas, has fueled Israeli leaders’ belief that a decisive blow must be struck against the Iranian regime.

“The missile strike from Iran was not just a message to Israel but to the entire region,” Netanyahu said earlier in a cabinet meeting. “Our enemies should know that we will respond in a way that ensures they will never even consider such actions again.”

Netanyahu will likely stress that the U.S. must back Israel in its military campaign, particularly given Iran’s expanding nuclear program. Israeli officials have pointed to intelligence that suggests Iran is closer than ever to developing a nuclear weapon, making this a critical moment for preemptive action.

“There are key targets that must be taken out now,” an Israeli intelligence official stated, referencing Iran’s nuclear facilities and missile production sites. “If we allow them to continue unchecked, the consequences will be catastrophic not just for Israel but for the entire region.”

The U.S. Balancing Act

For Biden, this conversation comes at a delicate time. On one hand, the U.S. has already signaled its support for Israel by deploying two aircraft carriers to the Eastern Mediterranean, a move meant to deter further aggression from Hezbollah or Iran. On the other hand, the Biden administration is wary of a scenario in which an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear or energy infrastructure could lead to a broader conflict, potentially drawing U.S. forces into another prolonged engagement in the Middle East.

A U.S. defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that Washington has urged Israel to consider the broader ramifications of a strike on Iran. “We understand Israel’s need to respond, but we also want to avoid a situation where this escalates beyond control,” the official told Politico. “There’s no appetite here for another Middle Eastern war.”

Despite these concerns, Israeli officials seem determined to move forward. “Our response will not be constrained by regional politics or foreign concerns,” a senior Israeli diplomat told The Jerusalem Post. “We have the right to defend ourselves, and we will exercise that right to its fullest extent.”

Iran’s Warnings and Regional Ramifications

In response to the anticipated Israeli strikes, Iran has issued its own warnings, with Iranian officials claiming that any attack on its nuclear or oil infrastructure would cross a “red line.” Speaking to reporters, a senior Iranian military commander warned, “Israel must understand that any attack on our territory will be met with a crushing response. We are fully prepared to defend ourselves.”

Iran has also been rallying its regional allies, including Hezbollah and militias in Syria and Iraq, to prepare for a potential escalation. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian publicly boasted that Iran’s missile defense systems could counter any Israeli strike, describing Israel’s air defenses as “more fragile than glass.”

However, Israeli defense experts have dismissed Iran’s claims, pointing to the country’s advanced missile defense systems and extensive airstrike capabilities. “We are more than capable of neutralizing their threats,” an Israeli military analyst told Haaretz. “Iran’s bravado is nothing new. What’s different this time is that Israel is prepared to act decisively.”

The Stakes Are High

As Israel prepares its military response, the stakes for the region—and for U.S.-Israel relations—could not be higher. The Israeli government is determined to send a strong message to Tehran, not only in retaliation for the missile strikes but as a broader deterrent to future aggression. Meanwhile, the U.S. is walking a fine line between supporting its ally and preventing the outbreak of a wider regional war.

In the coming days, the outcome of the Biden-Netanyahu conversation will be critical. Whether the U.S. fully backs Israel’s military response or urges restraint will shape the trajectory of this conflict. But one thing is certain: Israel is prepared to act, and when it does, the region will feel the consequences.

“Make no mistake,” Gallant warned in a final statement. “This will be a significant and serious response. Iran has made its move, and now we will make ours.”

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