U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a call on Wednesday amid escalating tensions with Iran. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned that any Israeli strike against Iran would be “lethal, precise, and surprising.”
This 30-minute call was the first conversation between Biden and Netanyahu since August, coinciding with an increase in hostilities between Israel, Iran, and the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah. Despite these developments, there is no indication of a ceasefire in the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre described the call as “direct and very productive” while acknowledging that the two leaders have disagreements, which they openly discuss.
The Middle East remains on edge following a missile attack by Iran in retaliation for Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Although the attack did not result in any fatalities in Israel, tensions remain high.
After the call, Gallant addressed the failed Iranian missile attack and reiterated that anyone who attacks Israel will “pay a price.” He emphasized that Israel’s retaliation would be deadly and unexpected.
Netanyahu has vowed that Iran will pay for its missile attack. Tehran has warned that any Israeli retaliation would lead to vast destruction, raising fears of a broader war that could involve the United States.
The Biden administration has supported Israel’s actions against Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. However, it has struggled to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and stop Israel’s rocket attacks on civilian areas.
Tensions between Biden and Netanyahu have increased, particularly regarding Israel’s handling of the Gaza war. Biden has faced criticism for not leveraging the U.S.’s position as Israel’s chief arms supplier to curb Netanyahu’s military actions.
Israel has faced widespread condemnation for the killing of nearly 42,000 Palestinians in Gaza and over 2,000 in Lebanon, while Israel claims it is defending itself after attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah militants.
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