A spokesperson for the US embassy in Jerusalem said that the Biden Administration calls on all sides to 'de-escalate' following the killing of three leaders of the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization last night as part of Operation Shield and Arrow.
"We are closely following Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip that killed three leaders of Palestinian Islamic Jihad. We are also aware of reports that 10 civilians were tragically killed in the Israeli strikes. We call for all parties to de-escalate the situation to protect noncombatants and prevent any further loss of civilian life," the spokesperson said, adding that "the US commitment to Israel’s security remains ironclad."
The embassy later added that "Israel has the right to protect itself and its people from indiscriminate rocket attacks launched by terrorist groups."
Former Israeli Ambassador to the UN MK Danny Danon said in response to the embassy's statement: "Tonight I tell our friends in the US that Israel will continue to steadfastly protect its citizens. Just as the United States would not hesitate to act if even one rocket landed within its territory, neither will we."
Earlier, an IAF aircraft struck a terrorist squad that intended to fire anti-tank missiles at Israel in the Khan Yunis area of the southern Gaza Strip.
The political-security Cabinet held a meeting this evening on the Gaza operation and the expected security escalation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the start of the meeting: "Last night we embarked on Operation Shield and Arrow. In a joint effort, the IDF and the Shin Bet eliminated the three senior members of the Islamic Jihad organization in the Gaza Strip. These murderers are responsible for firing rockets from Gaza into our territories and directing terrorism from Judea and Samaria against our citizens. On the day the rockets were fired last week, I and the Minister of Defense ordered our forces to prepare an operation to defeat the terrorist leaders, one which has actually amputated the organization’s leadership in the Gaza Strip."
“Our working principle is incisive and clear: Whoever harms us will be harmed, and with greater force. Our long arm can reach every terrorist at the time and place of our choosing,” Netanyahu said. "We are in the midst of a campaign, and we are prepared for any eventuality. I suggest to our enemies - do not mess with us."
US Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides informed senior officials in Netanyahu's office of his intention to resign from his position this summer several hours before the operation began.