Joe Biden dials Benjamin Netanyahu, supports Israel’s ‘right to defend itself’

Washington, May 18

US President Joe Biden, in a telephonic call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, supported Israel’s “right to defend itself” against indiscriminate rocket attacks and encouraged him to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians, the White House has said.

Biden welcomed efforts to address inter-communal violence and bring calm to Jerusalem, the White House said in a readout of the call. During the phone call on Monday, Biden reiterated his firm support for Israel’s “right to defend itself” against indiscriminate rocket attacks, it said. He encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians, it said. The two leaders discussed progress in Israel’s military operations against Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza. “The President expressed his support for a ceasefire and discussed the US engagement with Egypt,” said the readout. — PTI