Israel Provides Assurances to US Against Striking Iranian Nuclear and Oil Facilities

The Biden administration believes it has secured commitments from Israel to refrain from targeting Iranian nuclear or oil sites. This comes after Iran's recent missile attacks, according to two US officials. The deployment of a US Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system and about 100 soldiers to Israel is thought to have alleviated some of Israel's security concerns.

US Defence Support and Diplomatic Concerns

The Pentagon announced the THAAD deployment, authorised by President Joe Biden, to strengthen Israel's air defences following Iran's missile strikes in April and October. However, US officials, speaking anonymously, warned that Israel's assurances are not guaranteed and could change. They noted that Israel's past commitments have been inconsistent, often influenced by domestic politics.

Last month, US officials were informed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would support a US- and French-led ceasefire initiative in Lebanon. However, Israel launched an airstrike killing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah shortly after. Netanyahu's office stated, "we listen to the opinions of the United States, but we will make our final decisions based on our national interests."

Humanitarian Aid and Regional Tensions

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel in a letter to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza within 30 days or risk losing US weapons funding access. The Middle East is on edge following Iran's launch of approximately 180 ballistic missiles on October 1, which the US helped counteract. Concerns about potential Israeli strikes on Iranian energy and nuclear sites have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict.

Israel's military actions against Iranian-backed Hamas militants in Gaza have extended into Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. This group has been attacking Israel since the Gaza conflict began a year ago in support of Hamas. President Biden has expressed opposition to Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and advised against targeting its oil sector due to potential global market impacts.

US-Israel Communications

Biden and Netanyahu recently spoke by phone for the first time in seven weeks, while Defence Secretary Austin maintains regular contact with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. A Pentagon call summary from Sunday indicated Austin reaffirmed US support for Israel's security but urged protection for UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon and a shift towards diplomacy. He also highlighted the urgent need to address Gaza's humanitarian crisis.

The White House National Security Council did not confirm whether Netanyahu provided any assurances about target selection to Biden. "Our commitment to Israel's defense is ironclad," stated the council. "We will not discuss private diplomatic discussions and would refer you to the Israeli government to speak to their own potential military operations."

The situation remains tense as both nations navigate complex diplomatic and security challenges in the region.