U.S. President Joe Biden held a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, focusing on Israel's potential retaliation against Iran.
The call comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following a missile attack by Tehran last week, which was in response to Israeli military actions in Lebanon. While the Iranian strike caused no casualties, Netanyahu has vowed that Iran will face consequences, raising concerns about a broader conflict in the region.
The conversation between Biden and Netanyahu is significant, marking their first known discussion since August, during a period of intensified conflict involving Israel, Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas. Relations between the two leaders have been strained, especially regarding Israel's handling of its operations in Gaza and Lebanon. According to reports, Biden has expressed frustration with Netanyahu's approach, allegedly using harsh language to critique his lack of strategy.
Tensions between the U.S. and Israel have also grown due to Israel’s independent actions, which have sometimes caught U.S. officials off guard. This includes the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other covert actions in Lebanon. The U.S. has reportedly been left in the dark about Israel’s plans for responding to the Iranian missile attack.
The Biden administration has faced criticism for its stance on Israel’s military actions, with calls from both international partners and domestic voices urging the U.S. to use its influence, especially as Israel’s main arms supplier, to curb the violence.
Biden’s handling of the situation is particularly significant as it has become an issue in the upcoming U.S. elections. His administration’s policy has faced pushback from voters, particularly Arab Americans in key states like Michigan, where support for independent candidates could impact the election outcome.
While Biden has stated he is considering alternatives to striking Iran’s oil fields, he has indicated opposition to any attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. Washington is closely monitoring Israel's next steps and hopes to influence the scope of its retaliatory response. Meanwhile, Israel continues its military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon, despite calls for a ceasefire.
The conflict has already displaced millions in Gaza and Lebanon, with both regions facing severe humanitarian crises.