Blinken emphasizes US stance on conflict escalation amidst global tensions
The State Department spokesman also noted at the same time that the decision of whether to respond militarily to an Iranian missile attack will be Israel's sovereign choice. Still, the USA clearly stated: "we have been clear that we are committed to Israel’s defense but we do want to see, as you’ve heard multiple members of the administration say, no escalation of this conflict".
Previously, Gantz, who co-created the war cabinet and made decisions regarding the conflict, announced that Israel would choose the time and place of its response. He also mentioned, citing a conversation with a high-ranking American official, that Tel Aviv is working with the USA to build a global and regional alliance against Tehran.
- Iran is a global and regional problem, and also a threat to Israel. Therefore the world should act against it militarily and impose sanctions on it in order to stop its aggression - Gantz said at a conference organized by the "Israel Hayom" newspaper.
Ukraine's frustration
During the briefing, Miller also referred to a statement made on Monday by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who pointed out that "European skies could have received the same level of protection long ago if Ukraine had received similar full support from its partners in intercepting drones and missiles."
The State Department spokesman expressed understanding for Zelenskyy’s frustration but noted that the USA is a formal ally of Israel, and this is a different type of relation than that with Ukraine.
- I saw the comments from the President – very much understand where he’s coming from. I would expect the president of any country who is under such withering attacks to look for any way possible to defend his people - said Miller.
The USA does not want World War III
- I think it’s in the interests of the American people that we not be in direct armed conflict between the United States and Russia because we do not want World War III - he added.
He noted, however, that the USA is still fully committed to the defense of Ukraine, and it is thanks to American assistance that its forces have been able to shoot down Russian missiles.
