Photo : AFP
Washington: On Wednesday, President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed their commitment to stay in "close contact" as Israel evaluates its response to ongoing threats from Iran. The discussion included a strong emphasis on minimizing civilian casualties in Lebanon, particularly in the context of escalating conflicts involving Hezbollah, an Iranian ally.
This phone call marked the first communication between the two leaders in nearly two months and came at a critical time, with mounting pressure from Washington urging Israel to avoid strikes on Iran’s oil and nuclear facilities. This diplomatic caution is heightened by the impending U.S. presidential election, set to occur in less than four weeks.
While the White House's readout of the conversation did not explicitly address possible retaliation for a recent Iranian missile strike on Israel, it did highlight Biden's unequivocal condemnation of Tehran's aggression and his promise of "ironclad" support for Israel. The leaders agreed to maintain close communication in the days ahead, both directly and through their national security teams. Vice President Kamala Harris participated in the call, underscoring the significance of U.S.-Israel relations.
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The conversation coincided with remarks from Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who had been scheduled to discuss Israel's military response in Washington. Gallant emphasized that any attack on Iran would be "deadly, precise, and surprising."
In their dialogue, Biden and Netanyahu addressed Israel's military actions against Hezbollah, with the White House reiterating Biden's support for Israel's right to defend itself against rocket attacks from the militant group. However, the President urged caution, stressing the need to minimize harm to civilians, particularly in densely populated areas such as Beirut.
Netanyahu previously warned that Lebanon could face destruction akin to what Gaza is experiencing, following relentless bombardment since Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The two leaders also discussed the urgent necessity for renewed diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The White House characterized the 30-minute conversation as "direct," "honest," and "productive." Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the U.S. and Israeli governments had engaged in discussions since the Iranian attack, indicating a continuous dialogue on Israel's strategic responses.
Jean-Pierre responded to Netanyahu’s comments regarding Lebanon, asserting, "We cannot and will not see Lebanon turn into another Gaza." However, she refrained from commenting on a new book by journalist Bob Woodward, which discusses rising tensions between Biden and Netanyahu. According to reports from The New York Times, Biden had previously cautioned Netanyahu in July about Israel's deteriorating global image, suggesting that "the perception of Israel around the world increasingly is that you're a rogue state, a rogue actor."
As both leaders navigate the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics, their ongoing discussions reflect the intricate balance of military strategy, diplomatic relations, and humanitarian considerations in a volatile region.
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