Biden speaks with Netanyahu as tensions over the Israel-Hamas war mount in the US
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden held a phone call on Sunday with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against the backdrop of growing U.S. college campus protests and a possibly imminent invasion of Rafah.
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden held a phone call on Sunday with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against the backdrop of growing U.S. college campus protests and a possibly imminent invasion of Rafah.
The two discussed areas of commonality, with Biden "reaffirm[ing] his ironclad commitment to Israel’s security" after Iran's missile and drone attack on the country earlier this month, the White House readout said. The leaders reviewed hostage and cease-fire discussions and talked about humanitarian aid in Gaza as well.
But the call also underscored daylight between the two on Israeli strategy in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah. Netanyahu shows no signs of backing away from a ground offensive there — a potential move that the U.S. publicly opposes.
“The leaders discussed Rafah and the President reiterated his clear position,” the readout said.
More than a million Palestinians are currently sheltering in the city.
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