US President Joe Biden advised Israel on Friday to avoid striking Iran’s oil facilities, emphasizing his efforts to rally global support to prevent an all-out war in the Middle East. In a surprise appearance at the White House briefing room, Biden reminded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of America’s unwavering support for Israel as he weighs his next steps.
“If I were in their shoes, I’d be thinking about other alternatives than striking oil fields,” Biden stated when asked about discussions regarding potential strikes. He noted that Israel had yet to finalize its response to a significant ballistic missile attack from Iran that occurred earlier in the week.
Following Biden’s comments, oil prices surged, raising concerns about the implications for Vice President Kamala Harris as she prepares for the upcoming election against former President Donald Trump, where cost of living issues are pivotal.
Biden’s unexpected briefing room visit marked a significant moment in his presidency, as it was the first time he spoke from that podium in nearly four years. This comes at a precarious time, with escalating violence in the Middle East and domestic criticism regarding his management of a recent hurricane.
The President reiterated his commitment to preventing a major conflict in the region, where Israel has been conducting airstrikes against Lebanon to target the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah. He stated, “The main thing we can do is try to rally the rest of the world and our allies into participating… to tamp this down,” acknowledging the complexities posed by Iranian proxies like Hezbollah and the Huthis in Yemen.
Biden also addressed the strained relationship with Netanyahu, highlighting past efforts to support Israel and suggesting that Netanyahu should be mindful of that support. He expressed uncertainty regarding Netanyahu’s motives in delaying a Middle East peace deal amidst the upcoming US presidential election.
The US President indicated that he had not yet spoken directly to Netanyahu following Iran’s missile assault, which involved around 200 rockets. However, he confirmed that their teams were in “constant contact,” and emphasized the need for patience as Israel deliberates its response.
