‘An Incredible Military Achievement’: John Kirby Says Biden Called To Congratulate Netanyahu On Iran Drone Deflection
President Joe Biden called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu near the end of Iran’s attack Saturday night to congratulate him on Israel’s deflection of the barrage of drones and missiles, White House Spokesman John Kirby told CNN.
The president’s call came after Iran and its proxies in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen rained several hundred drones and missiles down on Israel in what was an anticipated attack. CNN reported that 99% of those strikes were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defensive system.
“We are reporting the president told Netanyahu that the United States is not going to be part of any offensive attack against Iran. Did Netanyahu give president Biden any indication of what Israel intends to do next?” Jake Tapper asked.
“I certainly won’t speak for Prime Minister Netanyahu and what they’re thinking, and whether and how they’re going to respond. It’s really, that’s up for them to decide,” Kirby began, continuing:
The purpose of the call was to check in with Prime Minister Netanyahu at the at the end of the operations. Now, not everything had finished getting into Israel in terms of the drones were still on the way, but we felt like we were near the end.
The president wanted to congratulate Prime Minister Netanyahu for an incredible military achievement. The prime minister was very grateful for the support that president Biden offered and demonstrated in supporting Israel and the president made it clear that the self-defense of Israel is something we take seriously and we will continue to take this seriously.
Kirby said the Defense Department was working to determine the exact number of drones and missiles launched by Iran, after “Israel put out a number of 300.”
“We’re certainly in no position to challenge that,” Kirby said, adding that the United States shot down “several dozens” of munitions heading toward Israel.
Kirby said an Israeli-Arab girl was reportedly killed by shrapnel that landed in her village.
Watch the clip above via CNN.
