File picture of US President Joe Biden talking on the telephone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the White Home | Photograph credit score: by way of Reuters
Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu agreed on Wednesday (Oct. 9, 2024) to stay in “shut contact” as Israel displays on its response to Iran, with the US president additionally urging the Israeli prime minister to “decrease” injury to civilians in Lebanon, the White Home reported. saying.
Biden and Netanyahu’s name was the primary in practically two months and got here amid rising stress from Washington to not assault Iran’s oil or nuclear services lower than 4 weeks earlier than the US presidential election.
A White Home readout of the decision didn’t immediately point out doable retaliation for an Iranian missile assault on Israel final week, however mentioned Biden had condemned Tehran’s assault “unequivocally” and pledged “unwavering” help for Israel.
Biden and Netanyahu “agreed to stay in shut contact over the approaching days, each immediately and thru their nationwide safety groups,” the assertion mentioned, including that Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris additionally joined the decision.
The decision got here as Israeli Protection Minister Yoav Gallant, who was because of focus on Israel’s response in Washington on Wednesday forward of Mr. Netanyahu’s last-minute postponement of his go to, vowed on Wednesday: “Our assault on Iran It will likely be lethal, exact and stunning.”
Offensive in opposition to Hezbollah
Biden and Netanyahu additionally mentioned Israel’s offensive in opposition to Iranian ally Hezbollah in Lebanon, the White Home mentioned.
The US president “reaffirmed” Israel’s proper to defend itself in opposition to Hezbollah rocket assaults “whereas emphasizing the necessity to decrease hurt to civilians, significantly within the densely populated areas of Beirut,” he mentioned.
Netanyahu had warned earlier Wednesday that Lebanon confronted “destruction” like that of the Palestinian territory of Gaza, which has been below relentless bombardment for the reason that October 7, 2023, Hamas assaults on Israel.
Hostages in Gaza
In Gaza, the 2 leaders additionally “mentioned the pressing must renew diplomacy to free hostages held by Hamas.”
The White Home had beforehand described the decision that lasted about half-hour as “direct,” “sincere” and “productive.”
“The US and the Israeli authorities have held talks since final week, after the Iran assault. These talks continued with the president and the prime minister,” mentioned press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
“We will proceed to have these discussions with Israel about how they’ll reply.”
Ms Jean-Pierre additionally reacted to Netanyahu’s feedback about Lebanon, saying: “We can’t and are not looking for Lebanon to grow to be one other Gaza.”
However he declined to touch upon a brand new ebook by veteran American journalist Bob Woodward that particulars rising tensions between Biden and Netanyahu.
Biden had advised Netanyahu in July that “the notion of Israel around the globe is more and more that you’re a rogue state, a rogue actor.” The New York Occasions reported the ebook saying.
Revealed – October 10, 2024 10:22 am IST