US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed possible Israeli retaliation against Iran on Wednesday, as pro-Iranian Hezbollah claims its fighters pushed Israeli soldiers toward the Lebanese border.
Clashes on the Israel-Lebanon border are escalating, with the war in the Gaza Strip raging and the wider Middle East region in turmoil, awaiting Israel’s “response” to a missile attack by Iran last week.
Biden and Netanyahu discussed Israel’s plans during the phone call, which lasted about 30 minutes, according to the White House. The discussion was “productive,” White House spokeswoman Karin Jean-Pierre said, acknowledging differences between the two leaders on some issues.
The Israeli prime minister’s office did not reveal details about the content of the discussion. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, told reporters that the two leaders had a constructive telephone conversation, adding that Israel appreciates US support.
Biden asked Netanyahu to minimize the impact of Israeli military operations on the civilian population of Lebanon, particularly Beirut, reiterating “Israel’s right to protect its citizens from Hezbollah,” the White House said later.
Regarding the Gaza Strip, Biden and Netanyahu discussed “the urgent need to revive diplomatic efforts to free the hostages held by Hamas,” the same statement said.
Biden’s relationship with Netanyahu has been strained lately over the Israeli prime minister’s handling of Gaza and Lebanon. Washington has attempted to prevent an escalation of hostilities and has tried unsuccessfully to broker a truce in Israel’s war against Hamas, which is also backed by Iran.
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