The Biden administration is reportedly frustrated by Israel’s refusal to share information about its planned retaliation to Iran’s recent missile attack, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Citing unnamed U.S. officials, the report indicates that Washington has been left in the dark about Jerusalem’s next steps, echoing tensions from a previous uncoordinated Israeli operation.

Last month, Israel surprised the U.S. by assassinating Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah without informing the White House in advance. In the aftermath, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed his frustration during a blunt phone call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

“Excuse me, what did you say?” Austin reportedly asked Gallant when informed of the operation after the fact, according to sources familiar with the conversation.

Later that day, during a second phone call, Austin pressed Gallant further, asking if Israel was prepared to defend itself alone. The concern arose because the U.S. had not been given enough time to deploy forces to counter a potential immediate reprisal by Hezbollah.

The tensions highlight ongoing friction between the two allies over coordination on military actions, particularly in light of heightened risks in the region following both Hezbollah’s leader’s assassination and Iran’s missile attack. Washington’s concerns center on the potential escalation of conflict and the safety of U.S. personnel and interests in the region.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)