Netanyahu makes 2nd phone call to Biden in under 24h for reassurance

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
8 Oct 2023 20:07

Amid escalating tensions with Gaza, the two leaders engaged in their second conversation in under 24 hours.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a session of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, Monday, July 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a phone call with US President Joe Biden on Sunday and obtained unwavering support from Washington, Netanyahu's office said on Sunday.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with US President Joe Biden ... The US president reaffirmed his unconditional support for the State of Israel," the office said in a statement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke today with US President Joe Biden, in continuation of their conversation last night.

President Biden reiterated his unreserved support for the State of Israel.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 8, 2023

Amid escalating tensions with Gaza, the two leaders engaged in their second conversation in under 24 hours.

According to the White House, US President Joe Biden has requested increased assistance for "Israel" in view of what they described as the "Palestinian-Israeli conflict's escalation and recent Hamas attacks."

"The President and the Vice President have been briefed this morning by their national security team on the situation in Israel. The President directed additional support for Israel in the face of this unprecedented terrorist assault by Hamas," the White House said in a statement.

According to the statement, US national security teams are collaborating with Israeli and other colleagues around the region.

Latest updates reveal that the number of casualties resulting from Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip has now reached 370, with approximately 2,200 individuals sustaining injuries.

On the other hand, Israeli media reported that the number of Israeli deaths has risen to 600 and the wounded to 2,000, 350 of whom are in serious, hopeless condition.

Observers say that the operation launched by the Palestinian resistance on Saturday represented a major intelligence failure for "Israel" which will be remembered "for the ages."

The operation is taking place at a critical time when the US was pushing for a normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and "Israel."

A report by Politico on Saturday revealed that US officials were suspicious of the possibility that Iran may have been involved in the operation.

Earlier today, a report by Axios revealed Biden's efforts to broker a peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and "Israel" are now facing a setback due to Hamas' unexpected resistance operation.