US President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel on Saturday to discuss the latest developments in Israel and Gaza, according to the White House.
Biden and Netanyahu discussed “objectives and phasing” of the Israel-Hamas war during their call, according to a White House readout.
“The leaders discussed Israel’s military campaign in Gaza to include its objectives and phasing. The President emphasized the critical need to protect the civilian population including those supporting the humanitarian aid operation, and the importance of allowing civilians to move safely away from areas of ongoing fighting,” according to the statement.
The two world leaders also discussed the hostages that remain in Hamas captivity and the “importance” of securing their release.
Biden told reporters that he did not push for a ceasefire during the phone call.
“I did not ask for a ceasefire,” Biden said while leaving the White House Saturday afternoon. “I had a long talk with Netanyahu today, and it’s a private conversation.”
Biden, who was walking toward Marine One for a flight to Camp David, did not provide more details.
Netanyahu expressed his appreciation for the US position at the United Nations Security Council, according to a statement from the Israeli leader on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“The Prime Minister made it clear that Israel would continue the war until all of its goals have been achieved,” the statement added.
This was the 17th conversation between the two leaders since October 7.
Some background: The United Nations Security Council on Friday approved a resolution that calls for humanitarian pauses between Israel and Hamas, increased aid to Gaza and the creation of conditions that will allow for a sustainable end to fighting, ending days of closed-door negotiations.
The US abstained from the vote. US Amb. Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced late Thursday that the US would support the measure after previously voting four times to delay a vote on the resolution.
Diplomats had been working behind closed doors to finalize the resolution drafted by the United Arab Emirates. A US official familiar with the discussions said the draft had started with calling for an “urgent cessation” of hostilities. Neither the United States nor Israel currently supports a ceasefire, so the US countered with “a more passive formulation,” the official said, describing the language that ended up in the resolution.
The US has vetoed previous measures at the UN Security Council and voted against a call for a ceasefire in the larger UN General Assembly.
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