Biden, Netanyahu discuss Lebanon, Gaza and Israeli plans for retaliation against Iran

US President Joe Biden spoke Wednesday morning with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussing the esclating tensions in the Middle East, Iranian attacks and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the White House said.

The call, Vice President Kamala Harris joined, was the leaders’ first known chat since August and coincided with a sharp escalation of Israel’s conflict with both Iran and Iran-backed Hezbollah with no sign of an imminent ceasefire deal to end the conflict with Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza.

Biden urged Netanyahu to minimize harm to civilians in Lebanon, especially in the populated areas of Beirut, while reiterating support to target Hezbollah militants, the White House said after their call.

On Gaza, the leaders discussed “the urgent need to renew diplomacy to release the hostages held by Hamas,” the White House said in a statement.

Biden also discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the imperative to restore access to the north, including by reinvigorating the corridor from Jordan immediately, according to the White House.

The Middle East has been on edge awaiting Israel’s response to a missile attack last week that Tehran carried out in retaliation for Israel’s military escalation in Lebanon. The Iranian attack ultimately killed no one in Israel and Washington called it ineffective.

Netanyahu has promised that arch-foe Iran will pay for its missile attack, while Tehran has said any retaliation would be met with vast destruction, raising fears of a wider war in the oil-producing region which could draw in the United States.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

With Reuters