Biden, Harris hold call with Netanyahu amid growing tensions in region

President Biden and Vice President Harris spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday as tensions grow in the Middle East over the continued war in Gaza.

The White House, in a readout of the call, said Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and proxy groups Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.

“The President discussed efforts to support Israel’s defense against threats, including against ballistic missiles and drones, to include new defensive U.S. military deployments,” the White House said.

Biden also stressed the importance of the efforts to de-escalate broader tensions in the region, even as Israel faces threats from Iran for the assassination of a top Hamas leader in Tehran.

Ismail Haniyeh, one of the top Hamas leaders, was killed while visiting for the inauguration of Iran’s new president. Iran has vowed to seek revenge after his death, sparking concerns that the region will be plunged into an all-out war.

Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death, which was reported to The Associated Press and other outlets by Hamas and Iran.

Hours after Haniyeh’s death made news, Netanyahu gave defiant remarks and said Israel is achieving its goals.

Israel has faced growing criticism for the 10-month-long war in Gaza. Nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, Gaza’s Health Ministry said, and most surviving Palestinians are without necessities like food, water and medical supplies.

Notably, the White House said Harris was on the call Thursday. Netanyahu recently gave a joint address to Congress, which Harris skipped. The address was just days after Biden withdrew from the presidential race and Harris kick-started her campaign.

Harris and Netanyahu met privately, where she told him it was time to get a cease-fire deal done. She’s already set to distinguish herself from Biden, offering a more empathetic approach to the civilians in Gaza.