US Vice-President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, stated on Tuesday that Iran is a "dangerous" and "destabilizing" force in the Middle East, and Washington remains committed to Israel's security.
Harris's remarks, made in the context of her facing Republican former President Donald Trump in the November 5 US election, were issued just hours after Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel in response to Israel's military operations in Lebanon, prompting strong retaliatory promises from both Israel and the US.
"I am clear-eyed that Iran is a destabilizing, dangerous force in the Middle East," Harris declared. "I will always ensure that Israel has the capability to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist militias."
Harris further expressed her full support for President Joe Biden's directive for the US military to intercept Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, noting that "initial indications suggest that Israel, with our assistance, was able to thwart this attack."
Harris also emphasized that Washington will collaborate with its allies to counteract what she described as Iran's "aggressive behavior."
Israel has intensified its military operations in Lebanon in recent days, resulting in hundreds of deaths and the displacement of over a million people. These operations, according to Israel, are targeting Lebanese Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.
In addition to its campaign in Lebanon, Israel is also engaged in a war in Gaza, which followed a deadly October 7 attack by Palestinian Hamas militants. Israel's military actions in Gaza have reportedly led to tens of thousands of deaths, according to Palestinian health authorities, displaced nearly all residents, caused a severe food crisis, and sparked allegations of genocide, which Israel denies.
