In a significant departure from traditional military aid arrangements, the United States has informed Israel that it will only offer defensive assistance in the event of further escalations with Iran. Following Iran's recent attacks over the weekend, which left world leaders alarmed, the Biden administration expressed its reluctance to participate in offensive military operations against Iran, citing concerns of a broader conflict in the Middle East.

While Israel has long enjoyed a close alliance with the US, receiving substantial military aid, the decision by the Biden administration highlights a shift in policy as the US seeks to avoid being drawn into potentially perilous conflicts. Speaking to reporters, a senior administration official reaffirmed Israel's "freedom of action" to safeguard and protect itself, emphasizing that this approach has been a longstanding policy.

Specifically, the message was conveyed privately to Israel's top officials during a phone call between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Minister Gallant was reportedly informed that the US did not intend to participate in any potential counteroffensive on Israel's behalf, reinforcing the administration's commitment to defensive measures.

Iran's attack on Saturday initially took world leaders by surprise, with US officials unnerved upon learning that over 100 ballistic missiles were being prepared for launch. In total, Iran is estimated to have launched around 300 missiles and drones, including over 100 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles. However, approximately half of these projectiles failed, either during launch or in flight, according to two US officials.

Israel's air defense systems successfully intercepted the majority of the remaining threats, with assistance from US, UK, and Jordanian forces. US Central Command reported that American military forces, including two US Navy destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, shot down approximately 80 drones and up to six ballistic missiles. One missile, which was suspected to be directed towards Israel, was intercepted by US forces near Erbil, Iraq.

Despite the attacks highlighting Iran's intention to cause significant damage, the defensive efforts were deemed a "spectacular" success by the senior administration official. Israel's response to the attacks remains unclear, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting with his war cabinet on Sunday, with a decision expected as early as Monday.

In the aftermath of the attacks, President Joe Biden conveyed his support and solidarity to Israel, and the G7 leaders issued a joint statement expressing their full support. This unified response, which also included backing from the US Central Command, Britain, France, and regional players, sent a clear signal to Iran that such aggression would not be tolerated.

The attack by Iran represents a shift in international support for Israel, following months of criticism regarding its military operations against Hamas. US officials believe that the recent attack was largely ineffective, leading them to endorse a measured response with broad international backing. Moving forward, the senior administration official stressed the importance of careful consideration on Israel's part in determining its next steps.

As tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, the US remains committed to providing defensive support while advocating for a calculated and internationally supported response to mitigate the risk of further escalations in the region.