Biden and Netanyahu Discuss Escalating Tensions Amid Iranian Missile Attack

President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu held a direct discussion after a two-month silence to address Israel's response to Iran's missile attack. Biden emphasized a proportional response, amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The US is aiding American evacuations from Lebanon as violence intensifies between Israel and Hezbollah.

In a significant diplomatic conversation, President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in a 30-minute phone call to address Israel's response to a recent Iranian ballistic missile attack. This marked their first dialogue in nearly two months, focusing on maintaining a proportional response from Israel.

Following the conversation, a White House readout highlighted Biden's unequivocal condemnation of the Iranian attack. However, it remained silent on specifics regarding Israel's potential actions, which Biden indicated should exclude targeting Iranian nuclear sites. This diplomatic silence underscores how strained relations have become between the two leaders, with differing regional objectives.

Simultaneously, the United States is facilitating the evacuation of American citizens from Lebanon in anticipation of further Israeli military action. The U.S. embassy in Beirut remains operational to assist those needing emergency documentation. The State Department is organizing flights for Americans, as conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah escalate, complicating the geopolitical landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)