The Guardian / October 2, 2024
The US defence secretary, Lloyd Austin, has said he spoke with the Israeli minister of defence, Yoav Gallant, telling him that the attack from Iran was an ‘outrageous act of aggression’.
On X he said: ‘The Minister and I expressed mutual appreciation for the coordinated defense of Israel against nearly 200 ballistic missiles launched by Iran and committed to remain in close contact.’
_____
Harris condemns Iran as a ‘destabilizing, dangerous force’
Colleen Long
AP / October 2, 2024
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has condemned the missile attack on Israel by Iran, calling Tehran “a destabilizing, dangerous force in the Middle East.”
The vice president said Tuesday that she supports President Joe Biden’s decision to shoot down the missiles targeting Israel.
“We are still assessing the impact but initial indications are that Israel, with our assistance, was able to defeat this attack,” she says.
She says her commitment to Israel is “unwavering,” and warns that Iran is more than a threat to Israel.
“Iran is also a threat to American personnel in the region, American interests and innocent civilians across the region who suffer at the hands of Iran-based and -backed terrorist proxies,” she says.
_____
Biden reasserts Washington’s support of Israel
Colleen Long
President Joe Biden says his administration is “fully supportive” of Israel after it thwarted an Iranian missile attack and that he’s in “active discussion” with aides about an appropriate response.
Biden also praised the U.S. and Israel militaries for defeating the Iranian missile barrage.
“Make no mistake, the United States is fully, fully supportive of Israel,” Biden said Tuesday at the start of a meeting with White House officials focused on the administration’s response to Hurricane Helene.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said soon after the attack that it amounted to a “significant escalation by Iran.”
Biden said it remains to be seen what consequences Iran will face.
