President Joe Biden is set to hold a pivotal phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday to discuss Israel’s potential retaliation against Iran. The call comes amid rising tensions between the two nations, following Iran’s missile attacks and Israel’s ongoing efforts to dismantle Iran’s military operations. This conversation could define the extent and limits of Israel’s response, with the U.S. working to avoid further escalation in the Middle East.
The Importance of the Biden-Netanyahu Call
This call will be the first between Biden and Netanyahu in two months, a period marked by growing regional hostilities. Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, have been weighing major military actions against Iran. These include airstrikes on military targets and covert operations, such as the recent killing of a Hamas leader in Tehran.
Netanyahu’s government has also considered strikes on Iran’s oil infrastructure, a move Biden has reportedly opposed. The U.S. aims to ensure Israel’s retaliation is forceful but avoids disproportionate actions that could lead to a wider conflict.
The U.S. Role in Israel’s Retaliation
According to U.S. officials, the Biden administration wants to “shape the limitations” of Israel’s response. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has stressed the need for “clarity and transparency” from Israel, as its actions will have significant implications for U.S. interests and forces in the region.
This comes after Iran’s recent missile attack on Israel, which was launched in retaliation for Israeli strikes on senior Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian officials. While many of the missiles were intercepted, some caused damage to Israeli military bases. The tit-for-tat is expected to continue, with both nations engaged in a dangerous cycle of escalation.
Israel’s Internal Discussions
Netanyahu has spent several hours in meetings with his senior ministers and military officials, discussing the scope and timing of Israel’s response. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was scheduled to travel to Washington but had his trip canceled after Netanyahu insisted on speaking with Biden first. Once a decision is made, Netanyahu will brief Biden on the attack plans, ensuring the U.S. is kept in the loop.
What’s Next for U.S.-Israel Relations?
The Biden-Netanyahu call is expected to set the course for Israel’s next steps against Iran. Both countries are trying to manage an increasingly volatile situation, with Israel determined to retaliate against Iran’s actions and the U.S. aiming to prevent a regional war. The stakes are high, and this phone call could determine whether tensions escalate or stabilize.
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