US President Joe Biden engaged in a significant phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marking their first direct conversation in weeks.
The leaders discussed Israel’s strategic response to a recent missile attack from Iran, intensifying the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The White House confirmed that Vice President Kamala Harris participated in the 30-minute call on Wednesday.
Following the call, Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced that the nation’s retaliation against Iran would be “deadly, precise and, above all, surprising.”
Gallant emphasized that the impact of Israel’s response would be unexpected and significant.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre characterized the conversation between Biden and Netanyahu as “direct and very productive,” highlighting that discussions regarding Iran’s actions continued during the call. She also assured that the US would keep flights available for Americans in Lebanon as long as Beirut’s main airport remains operational.
Meanwhile, clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces persisted, with an Israeli airstrike in a southern Lebanese village resulting in four casualties. Additionally, two civilians lost their lives in Kiryat Shmona due to Hezbollah rocket fire.
This incident marked the first civilian fatalities in Israel since the conflict intensified 12 days ago. The port city of Haifa also faced rocket attacks, injuring at least five people.
Israel’s military operations have escalated, with over 1,100 airstrikes executed since the commencement of its ground invasion in southern Lebanon on September 30. The Israeli Air Force reported using various aircraft to target Hezbollah positions and has also targeted locations in northern Gaza.
Previously, Netanyahu vowed that Iran would “pay the price” for its missile bombardment, which Tehran claimed was in retaliation for Israeli actions in Lebanon and the assassination of Hezbollah leaders.
The US has reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself, while also encouraging a measured response toward Iran.
According to Lebanon’s government, approximately 1.2 million individuals have been displaced over the last year, with around 180,000 residing in authorized shelters. Additionally, over 400,000 people have sought refuge in war-torn Syria, including a large number of Syrian refugees.
Despite suffering significant setbacks, including the loss of its leader and key military figures, Hezbollah has remained resolute and confident in its ability to confront Israeli actions.
On Monday, Hezbollah expressed confidence in its resistance against Israeli actions, reiterating its commitment to oppose what it refers to as aggression.
Israel’s government, which classifies Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, has promised to ensure the safe return of thousands of displaced residents to areas along the Lebanese border following a year of conflict precipitated by the ongoing war in Gaza.
Escalating hostilities began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel, coinciding with a deadly assault by its ally Hamas on southern Israel.
