U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Wednesday for the first time since August, amid strained relations as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza despite Biden’s calls for de-escalation.
The details of their conversation were not immediately disclosed. The call followed Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, postponing a trip to Washington, where he was expected to discuss Israel’s potential response to Iran’s recent missile attack. Gallant stated that he delayed the visit at the request of Netanyahu, who first wanted to speak with Biden.
Netanyahu and Gallant have been divided over Israel’s approach to Gaza, with U.S. officials relying on Gallant as a key contact due to the cooling relationship with Netanyahu.
The conversation comes as tensions escalate on multiple fronts. Over a week ago, Israel launched an invasion of southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group.
On Wednesday, Hezbollah fighters clashed with Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, launching rockets into northern Israel. The strike killed two people in the city of Kiryat Shmona, according to Israel’s emergency services.
The United Nations has warned that hundreds of thousands of Lebanese civilians have fled the region due to the growing hostilities.
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