US President Joe Biden held a conversation over the phone with his Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last night. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre described the 30-minute phone call as direct and productive. The spokeswoman said the conversation covered a range of issues, with a particular focus on the ongoing West Asia conflict involving Iran. This call marked the first publicly announced discussion between the two leaders since August.
One key topic of the conversation was Mr. Biden urging Mr. Netanyahu to minimise harm to civilians in Lebanon, especially in the densely populated areas of Beirut. White House officials said the Biden administration has expressed concerns over the growing civilian toll amid the conflict. The discussion took place against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the region. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant issued a stern warning in a video broadcast on Israeli media last night, vowing retaliation for a failed Iranian missile attack on Israel earlier this month.
Mr. Gallant declared that Israel’s response would be deadly, precise, and surprising. The conflict has had devastating consequences in Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes have forced over 6 lakh people to flee their homes, with an additional 3 lakh reportedly leaving the country, according to the United Nations. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah intensify.
