Biden and Netanyahu to remain in ‘close contact’ as Israel pledges action against Iran

Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu agreed on Wednesday to remain in "close contact" as Israel considers its response to Iran. During the conversation, Biden urged Netanyahu to "minimize" civilian harm in Lebanon, according to the White House. This call, the first in nearly two months, comes as Washington pressures Israel not to attack Iran's oil or nuclear sites, with the U.S. election less than four weeks away.

The White House readout did not explicitly reference possible retaliation for a recent Iranian missile strike on Israel but emphasized Biden's strong condemnation of the attack and "ironclad" support for Israel. The leaders agreed to maintain communication through both direct talks and their national security teams. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris also participated in the call.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, whose visit to Washington was postponed, vowed Israel's response to Iran would be "deadly, precise, and surprising."

Biden and Netanyahu also discussed Israel's offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, with Biden reaffirming Israel's right to defend itself but stressing the importance of minimizing harm to civilians, particularly in densely populated Beirut. Netanyahu had warned Lebanon of destruction similar to that in Gaza, which has faced heavy bombardment following Hamas’s resistance campaign against Israel on October 7, 2023.

The leaders also talked about the urgent need to revive diplomatic efforts to free hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The White House described the call as "direct," "honest," and "productive," with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre affirming ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Israel regarding responses to Iran’s attack.

Jean-Pierre did not comment on reports of tensions between Biden and Netanyahu, as detailed in Bob Woodward's new book, which claims Biden told Netanyahu in July that Israel was increasingly seen as a "rogue state."