Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations

The phone call marks the first conversation since August, as “Israel” considers a significant military action that could escalate into a full-blown regional war, with the potential for more civilian casualties.

President Biden spoke on the phone Wednesday morning with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed “Israel’s” plans to retaliate against Iran, Axios reported.

Vice President Harris also joined the call, the White House said.

The call was the first between Biden and Netanyahu since August 21, and it comes as “Israel” considers a major attack against Iran that could lead the Middle East into a full-blown war, resulting in further loss of life in the region.

In a related development, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the call lasted 30 minutes and was “direct and productive.”

“On Lebanon, the President emphasized the need for a diplomatic arrangement to safely return both Lebanese and Israeli civilians to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line,” the White House said in a readout.

Biden reaffirmed “Israel’s” right to defend itself but allegedly emphasized the importance of minimizing civilian casualties, especially in the densely populated areas of Beirut.

It is worth noting that “Israel” has been bombing Lebanon daily, using internationally banned weapons, resulting in the killing of civilians, significant destruction, and reducing residential areas to rubble.

“On Gaza, the leaders discussed the urgent need to renew diplomacy to release the hostages held by Hamas. The President also discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the imperative to restore access to the north, including by reinvigorating the corridor from Jordan immediately, ” as per the White House.

Biden said in a conference call with Jewish American rabbis later Wednesday that the US “fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran and its proxies.”

Netanyahu and top officials plan major retaliation against Iran

Netanyahu held a lengthy meeting with senior ministers and the heads of “Israel’s” military and intelligence services on Tuesday night to discuss the extent and timing of planned strikes, according to two Israeli officials as cited by Axios.

The Israeli attack on Iran is expected to be substantial, with officials indicating that it will likely involve a combination of airstrikes on “military targets in Iran and covert operations”, similar to the one that resulted in the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Netanyahu is set to convene the security cabinet on Thursday. Under Israeli law, he must secure a cabinet vote for significant military actions, especially those that could escalate into full-scale war with Iran.

The big picture

The conversation between Biden and Netanyahu occurred one week after Iran launched around 180 ballistic missiles at “Israel” in response to the assassination of senior officials from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran by “Israel”. Particularly, the retaliation was for the Israeli assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in the heart of Tehran.

Tehran has stated that its retaliation will end unless “Israel” initiates further attacks. However, Tel Aviv has vowed to retaliate, and both US and Israeli officials expect the cycle of reprisals to continue, with the US and “Israel” needing to coordinate efforts to address potential Iranian responses, as per the report.