White House Kirby says US would defend Israel if Iran attacked

JERUSALEM, Aug 27 (Reuters) – The United States remains committed to Israel's defense in the event of an Iranian attack and expressed confidence that a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will be reached, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Tuesday.

Kirby told Israeli television Channel 12 that it was difficult to predict the likelihood of an attack, but that the White House was taking Iran's comments seriously.

“We believe they are still in position and ready to launch an attack if they so wish. That is why we have increased our troop presence in the region,” he said.

“Our message to Iran is consistent, always has been and will remain so. First, don't do it. There is no reason to escalate the situation. There is no reason to potentially start a full-scale regional war. And second, we will be ready to defend Israel if it comes to that.”

The United States maintains two aircraft carrier battle groups in the Middle East as well as an additional squadron of F-22 fighter aircraft.

Kirby said the force would remain there “as long as we deem necessary to contribute to the defense of Israel and our own forces and facilities in the region.”

He remained optimistic about a possible ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to end the ten-month war and release the remaining 108 Israeli hostages. The process had been “constructive” and he looked forward to further talks in Doha in the coming days.

Kirby refused to blame either side for the impasse, saying an agreement would require compromise and leadership from Israel and Hamas.

“The parties are still engaged and that's a good thing,” he said. “The fact that we've reached a new level here with the working groups in Doha is not a bad thing. It means that the sides are still talking to each other. It means that there is still hope that we can sort out these final details and move forward.”

“Hamas is still represented in the discussions of this working group, and that is a good thing. Nobody has completely abandoned the process.”

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