U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Wednesday amid rising tensions with Iran. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that an Israeli attack on Iran would be "lethal, precise, and surprising."
This was the first known conversation between Biden and Netanyahu since August and came during a time of increased conflict between Israel, Iran, and Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah. There is no sign of a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Tensions have risen following a missile attack by Iran last week, which was in response to Israel's military actions in Lebanon. Although the attack didn't cause any casualties in Israel, the U.S. called it ineffective.
Gallant stated in a video message that anyone who attacks Israel will face serious consequences. He added that the Israeli response would be deadly and surprising, saying, "They will not understand what happened."
Netanyahu has promised that Iran will pay for its missile attack, while Iran has warned that any retaliation would lead to massive destruction, raising fears of a wider conflict that could involve the U.S.
Relations between Biden and Netanyahu have been strained, especially regarding Netanyahu's handling of the situation in Gaza and the conflict with Hezbollah. A new book by journalist Bob Woodward claims that Biden has criticized Netanyahu’s strategy, even using strong language during their discussions.
Gallant canceled a visit to the Pentagon at Netanyahu's request to allow for the conversation with Biden. Tensions have been rising, with U.S. officials caught off guard by some of Israel's recent actions, including the killing of a Hezbollah leader and the destruction of communications used by Hezbollah members.
Biden has faced criticism from international partners and members of his own Democratic Party for not using U.S. influence to limit Netanyahu's actions. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also the Democrats' presidential candidate in the upcoming election, joined the call with Biden and Netanyahu.
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