Biden: Gaza deal could deter Iran from attacking Israel
After the killing of the Hamas foreign chief in Iran, Israel braces for a possible counterstrike. The U.S. hopes to calm the situation with progress in a Gaza ceasefire, potentially deterring Tehran from an attack.
U.S. President Joe Biden believes that Iran might refrain from its threatened retaliation against Israel in case of a breakthrough in the negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. When asked by reporters, Biden responded, "That's my expectation, but we'll see."
On Thursday, under U.S., Qatar, and Egypt's pressure, a potentially decisive round of talks on a ceasefire and hostage release agreement is planned, likely in Qatar's capital Doha. Unlike Israel, the terrorist organization Hamas has so far declined to participate, stating, "We will not negotiate under fire." The "Wall Street Journal" cited Arab mediators saying that indirect negotiations would continue even if Hamas does not participate, with the Islamist organization being informed about the discussed conditions for a ceasefire.
Waiting for a possible retaliation
In a message from Gaza to Arab mediators, Hamas leader Yahya al-Sinwar stated on Monday evening that if Israel is serious about negotiating and including Hamas, it must first halt its military operations in the Gaza Strip, the newspaper reported. Sinwar is believed to be hiding in the extensive tunnel network of Hamas under the sealed coastal strip.
"We want everyone to show up on Thursday, roll up their sleeves, and get to work," said John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, in Washington. "And at the same time, we're watching very closely what Iran and its proxies might do this week." According to media reports, the White House is concerned that an Iranian and Hezbollah attack on Israel could sabotage negotiations for a ceasefire and ruin a potential agreement. "It's going to be tough," said Biden. "We'll see what Iran does, and we'll see what happens if there's an attack. But I'm not giving up."
It remains unclear whether and when Iran and Hezbollah will carry out the threatened retaliatory strikes following the killing of a Hezbollah military commander in Lebanon and the Hamas foreign chief in the Iranian capital Tehran. "Iran and Hezbollah don't know what to do. There are many plans, but no decisions yet," a U.S. official told the news portal "Axios." As the most important ally of Israel, the U.S. has deployed additional military forces to the region for deterrence and to protect Israel and its own soldiers. There are fears that a retaliation against Israel could lead to a larger war in the Middle East.
The following paragraphs shall apply if Iran and its proxies decide to retaliate against Israel, as the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation and has expressed concerns about potential attacks sabotaging the ceasefire negotiations. Moreover, the U.S. is prepared to respond if necessary, having deployed additional military forces to the region for deterrence and protection.
