Biden warned Trump that Israel 'won't miss chance' to escalate Gaza war to Iran strikes - report

A New Yorker report reveals that Biden administration officials predicted Israel would use the Gaza war to escalate to strikes on Iran and Lebanon. Officials warned the incoming Trump administration that Israel would not let the opportunity pass. The report details how US support emboldened Netanyahu, who pushed boundaries despite US advice, leading to regional conflict.

A New Yorker report reveals that Biden administration officials predicted Israel would use the Gaza war as a springboard to strike Iran and Lebanon. Former officials said President Biden believed any US pressure on Israel would lead to bigger Iranian attacks, forcing American intervention. Brett McGurk argued immovable support for Israel would contain Iran. Despite US requests to avoid provoking Iran, Netanyahu launched strikes with little notice, including the September 2024 beeper attack and the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah. Officials regretted that US protection emboldened Netanyahu to push boundaries. They warned the incoming Trump administration that Israel would not let the opportunity pass. Within Trump's first half-term, the US engaged twice with Iran. Secretary Rubio said US strikes preempted Israeli action that would have triggered attacks on US forces. The report notes a 'moral hazard' in US support, which emboldened Netanyahu to expand the war.