Biden tells Netanyahu U.S. would not take part in Israeli counter strike against Iran

President Biden assures Israel of U.S. support against Iran, emphasizing defense over escalation in the region.

U.S. President Joe Biden has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States would not participate in any Israeli counter-offensive against Iran, a White House official said on Sunday.

Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel on Saturday night in response to a suspected Israel attack on Iran's Syria consulate on April 1.

In a statement issued late on Saturday following the attacks, Mr. Biden said he told Mr. Netanyahu that Israel had "demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks."

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Mr. Biden did not say in the statement if he and Mr. Netanyahu discussed a possible Israeli response or potential U.S. involvement.

John Kirby, the White House's top national security spokesperson, told ABC's "This Week" program on Sunday that the United States will continue to help Israel defend itself, but does not want war with Iran.

Asked if the United States would support retaliation from Israel in Iran, Mr. Kirby said that "our commitment is ironclad" to defending Israel and to "helping Israel defend itself."