On October 9, 2024, President Joe Biden, along with Vice President Harris, held a call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security. Biden condemned Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel and highlighted the importance of diplomacy regarding Lebanon, aiming to safely return civilians to their homes near the Blue Line. He supported Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah while emphasizing the need to protect civilians, particularly in Beirut. Discussions also centered on Gaza, focusing on renewing diplomacy to release hostages held by Hamas and addressing the region’s humanitarian crisis.
Readout of President Joe Biden’s Call with
Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel
President Biden spoke this morning with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel. Vice President Harris joined the call. The President affirmed his ironclad commitment to Israel’s security. He condemned unequivocally Iran’s ballistic missile attack against Israel on October 1st. 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 President affirmed Israel’s right to protect its citizens from Hezbollah, which has fired thousands of missiles and rockets into Israel over the past year alone, while emphasizing the need to minimize harm to civilians, in particular in the densely populated areas of Beirut. 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. They agreed to remain in close contact over the coming days both directly and through their national security teams.
October 09, 2024 Washington, DC
Critical Questions :
- Why hasn’t the Biden administration imposed stronger sanctions on Iran in response to its missile attacks on Israel?
- Shouldn’t the U.S. prioritize military support over diplomacy with Hezbollah and Hamas, given their continued aggression toward Israel?
- Why is the Biden administration pressing Israel to limit civilian casualties in Beirut while Hezbollah is using these areas to launch attacks?
- Is the humanitarian aid approach in Gaza inadvertently supporting Hamas by failing to address the root of the conflict?
- How does the Biden administration plan to prevent future Iranian-backed attacks on Israel while maintaining diplomacy in Lebanon and Gaza?
Sources: WH.gov. Midtown Tribune