US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in a lengthy phone call on Saturday to discuss the possibility of scaling back Israel’s offensive in Gaza. However, it’s worth noting that Biden did not explicitly request a halt to the fighting during this conversation.
This dialogue followed a recent decision by Washington to abstain from using its veto on a UN Security Council resolution, which called for increased aid but did not mandate an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s conflict with Hamas. a lengthy phone call
Netanyahu expressed gratitude for the US’s efforts to modify the resolution’s language. While Biden characterized the conversation as “private” and refrained from disclosing most details, reports from Hebrew media suggest that the call lasted approximately 45 minutes.
Biden clarified his stance in response to a question, stating, “I didn’t ask for a ceasefire.” Subsequently, the White House released a statement indicating that the conversation between Biden and Netanyahu involved a discussion on Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, covering its objectives and phases.
The president emphasized the critical need to protect the civilian population including those supporting the humanitarian aid operation, and the importance of allowing civilians to move safely away from areas of ongoing fighting,” the statement added.
A statement from Netanyahu’s office on the call said the premier “clarified that Israel will continue the war until all of its goals are achieved,” which include toppling the Hamas terror group and bringing home the hostages being held by Palestinian terrorists in the Strip.
The statement highlighted Netanyahu’s expression of gratitude for the United States’ position in the Security Council. This acknowledgment came after extended negotiations, led by Washington, aimed at excluding language that explicitly demanded a ceasefire from the resolution.