Biden told Netanyahu that Israel won latest round with Iran, administration official says

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (back) greets US President Joe Biden upon his arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport, October 18, 2023. (Brendan Smialowski/ AFP)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (back) greets US President Joe Biden upon his arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport, October 18, 2023. (Brendan Smialowski/ AFP)

US President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in their call last night that Israel had won this latest round against Iran.

“Israel really came out far ahead in this exchange. It took out the IRGC leadership in the Levant, Iran tried to respond, and Israel clearly demonstrated its military superiority, defeating this attack, particularly in coordination with its partners,” a senior administration official says in a briefing with reporters.

The official notes that Hamas hoped Iran’s attack would advance the goal it has had since October 7 to ignite a regional war.

“We’re going to ensure that they do not succeed,” the official says.

“We have disagreements with Israel on a number of things, including in particular on Gaza. Those are things we’re continuing to work through, but when it comes to the defense of Israel against Iran, the commitment truly is ironclad,” the official adds.

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