President Biden and Vice President Harris spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday as tensions rise in the Middle East over the ongoing war in Gaza.
The White House, reading the call, said Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and the proxy groups Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis.
“The President discussed efforts to support Israel’s defense against threats, including ballistic missiles and drones, to include new U.S. defensive military deployments,” the White House said.
Biden also emphasized the importance of efforts to ease broader tensions in the region, even as Israel faces threats from Iran over the assassination of a senior Hamas leader in Tehran.
Ismail Haniyeh, a top Hamas leader, was killed while visiting the inauguration of Iran’s new president. Iran has vowed to seek revenge after his death, raising concerns that the region will be plunged into an all-out war.
Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death, which was reported to the Associated Press and other media outlets by Hamas and Iran.
Hours after Haniyeh’s death made the news, Netanyahu made defiant comments and said Israel was achieving its goals.
Israel has faced increasing criticism over the 10-month war in Gaza. Nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, the Gaza Health Ministry said, and most surviving Palestinians lack necessities such as food, water and medical supplies.
Notably, the White House said Harris was on the call Thursday. Netanyahu recently gave a joint speech to Congress, which Harris ignored. The speech was made just days after Biden withdrew from the presidential race and Harris began her campaign.
Harris and Netanyahu met privately, where she told him it was time to reach a ceasefire agreement. She is already poised to distinguish herself from Biden by offering a more empathetic approach to civilians in Gaza.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
