The White House stated Tuesday that there isn’t a particular details about the position of Iran within the newest terrorist assault in opposition to Israel by Hamas, however it’s complicit “in a broad sense” for funding the army wing of the militant group.
“We have said since the beginning that Iran is complicit in this attack in a broad sense because they have provided the lion’s share of the funding for the military wing of Hamas. They have provided training.They have provided capabilities. They have provided support and they have had engagement and contact with Hamas over years and years,” US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan instructed reporters Tuesday.
“All of that has played a role in contributing to what we have seen. Now, as to the question of whether Iran knew about this attack in advance or helped plan or direct this attack, we do not, as of this moment I’m standing here at the podium, have confirmation of that. We are talking to our Israeli counterparts on a daily basis about this question,” he stated.
The NSA stated the US is making an attempt to collect from its intelligence holdings on whether or not they have any additional data on that. “We’re looking to acquire further intelligence. And if there’s an update to that, I’ll share it with you,” Sullivan stated.
“While Iran plays this broad role, sustaining a deep and dark role in providing all of this support and capabilities to Hamas, in terms of this particular gruesome attack on October 7th, we don’t currently have that information. We will continue to look for it,” he added.
Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a wave of assaults on Israel on Saturday, killing over 1,000 individuals, within the greatest escalation within the battle in many years. Israel has already responded with a wave of air strikes on Gaza, killing greater than 800 individuals there.
The United States has launched a significant international diplomatic drive to garner help for Israel and take mandatory motion in opposition to Hamas.
Sullivan additionally stated that the US will reply firmly to any motion by militia teams within the area to “take advantage of this situation”.
“With respect to the question of the various militia groups across the region, we do believe that they pose an urgent threat, and that it is certainly distinctly possible that they choose to try to exploit or take advantage of this situation. We have been sending clear warnings that doing so will result in a firm response and consequences from the United States,” he stated.
Sullivan stated the US isn’t solely stunned by China’s response to Hamas’ assault, given their historical past of statements on such points.
“We believe that the United States is capable of supporting Ukraine in Europe, of supporting our allies in the Indo-Pacific, and of supporting our close ally, Israel, in its hour of need. And we believe we have the resources, tools, and capacities to be able to effectively do that,” he stated.
On US’ help to Ukraine within the battle with Russia, Sullivan stated that it was more economical to behave in opposition to Russian aggression in opposition to Ukraine now moderately than permitting Moscow to probably have its aggression proceed throughout Europe and pay an enormous value later since which will require the precise deployment of American troops to fight.
“So better to support the Ukrainians as they stand firm against Russian aggression and do so on a sustained basis, and we have the budget wherewithal to be able to do that. We also have the budget wherewithal to be able to provide Israel what it needs. And we firmly reject the notion that the United States of America cannot at once support the freedom loving people of Ukraine and support the state of Israel,” he stated.
Published On:
Oct 11, 2023
