Since the October 7 attack, President Joe Biden has said all the right things. He has matched words with actions, dispatching two carrier strike groups and a U.S. Marine detachment to the region. He’s even made a trip to the region to stand alongside the Israeli prime minister and meet with Israel’s war cabinet. Biden has thus far demonstrated unflinching resolve in support of Israel’s right to self-defense, and he has communicated in no uncertain terms America’s interest in deterring Iran and its proxies from opening up new fronts against the Jewish state. Until today.
*BIDEN: NO US OFFER FOR TROOPS IF HEZBOLLAH STARTS WAR ON ISRAEL
Asked about a report that his aides have indicated to Israel that if Hezbollah initiates a war against Israel, the US military will join in fighting the terror group, Biden told me: “Not true”
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) October 18, 2023
There is a lot to parse here. Does the president mean that he has ruled out only U.S. ground troops in the event of Iranian intervention in Israel’s war against Hamas by proxy, leaving the possibility of intervention on Israel’s behalf by air? Has the president ruled out intervention entirely? Or is he only saying no such guarantee was ever given?
It’s unclear just how credible the implied threat of intervention on Israel’s behalf is, but that is certainly the suggestion conveyed by America’s posture in the Mediterranean. The wisdom of taking any measure off the table at this stage of high tension is likely unwise insofar as Tehran could interpret it as a green light to do what it wants as long as it preserves the patina of deniability. Moreover, Biden’s comments appear to contradict what American officials were telling reporters on background as recently as this afternoon:
Biden officials have indicated to Israel in recent days that if Hezbollah initiates a war against Israel, the US military will join the IDF in fighting the terror group, the officials say. (6/9)
— Jacob Magid (@JacobMagid) October 18, 2023
President Joe Biden plans to address the American people tomorrow night in prime time from behind the Resolute Desk. He would be well advised to state plainly the grave turn the international threat environment has taken, leave America’s options open, and stick to the script. This is no time to freelance for the cameras.