Biden and Netanyahu discuss escalating tensions over Israel-Hamas conflict in the US

President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a crucial phone call on Sunday, discussing a range of issues including security, humanitarian aid in Gaza, and the escalating situation in Rafah. The call highlighted the growing tensions between the two leaders, particularly regarding Israel’s potential ground offensive in Rafah, a move that the U.S. publicly opposes.

The White House readout of the call emphasized Biden’s commitment to Israel’s security in the wake of Iran’s recent attack on the country. However, the leaders also discussed their differing views on the situation in Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians are currently seeking shelter.

The call comes at a time when pro-Palestinian protests are sweeping across college campuses, with students calling for an end to the war and urging divestment from companies doing business in Israel. Biden has faced criticism for his support of Israel following recent events, while also being urged to denounce rising antisemitism on college campuses.

This conversation marks the first phone call between Biden and Netanyahu since April, when Biden criticized Israel for a strike that killed humanitarian workers. The recent call underscores the ongoing challenges in the U.S.-Israel relationship, as both leaders navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and domestic pressures.