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The escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran, have brought US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the forefront of international diplomacy. A scheduled phone call between the two leaders on Wednesday, set to focus on Israel’s potential response to a recent missile attack by Iran, signifies the urgency and complexity of the situation. The call marks the first known direct communication between Biden and Netanyahu since August, highlighting the increased need for dialogue amidst a volatile regional landscape.
The catalyst for this renewed tension was a missile strike by Iran last week, which Tehran claimed was retaliation for Israeli military actions in Lebanon. While the attack did not result in casualties in Israel and was deemed ineffective by US officials, it has ignited fears of further escalation. Netanyahu has vowed that Iran will “pay for this missile attack,” while Iran has warned that any Israeli retaliation could lead to significant destruction, raising concerns about a broader conflict potentially involving the United States.
The impending call between Biden and Netanyahu will center around Israel’s planned retaliation, with Washington expressing a strong interest in influencing the nature of Israel’s response. A source familiar with the discussions indicated that the White House hopes to provide guidance on the appropriateness of any military action. Biden, during remarks last Friday, hinted at alternatives to targeting Iranian oil fields if he were in Israel’s position, while emphasizing his opposition to strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Notably, Israel has not yet made a definitive decision on how to respond to Iran’s actions.
The discussion between Biden and Netanyahu will extend beyond the immediate Iranian situation, encompassing ongoing conflicts with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Biden administration has consistently voiced support for Israel’s efforts against Iran-backed militant groups, yet it has also faced mounting pressure to call for ceasefire negotiations amidst the mounting civilian casualties. The unprecedented attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the capture of around 250 hostages, has significantly deteriorated the situation. The Israeli military’s operations, according to local health officials, have reportedly caused the deaths of nearly 42,000 Palestinians, alongside significant casualties in Lebanon.
Biden and Netanyahu’s relationship has been strained in recent months due to divergent views on military strategies, setting the stage for what could be a tense dialogue. Adding to this tension, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has canceled a planned visit to the Pentagon, as Netanyahu appears to prioritize discussions with Biden first. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached critical levels, with approximately three million people displaced and dire shortages of food and clean water reported by Palestinian and Lebanese officials. As the situation remains volatile, the upcoming conversation between Biden and Netanyahu will be closely watched for indications of US policy direction in the region.
Source: Biden to speak with Netanyahu amid rising tensions with Iran