US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to have a crucial phone call on Wednesday to discuss Israel's response to Iran's recent missile attack. This conversation marks the first known call between the two leaders in 49 days, following a period of silence after the October 7 attacks by Hamas.
The call, expected to take place on Wednesday morning, is eagerly anticipated by officials on both sides. Biden had previously mentioned his intention to speak with Netanyahu once Israel had finalized its response to Iran.
American officials are keen on ensuring that Israel's actions remain proportional in response to the situation. Biden is expected to address this concern during the call, reiterating his opposition to strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and advising against targeting Iranian oil reserves.
However, the weight of Biden's words in influencing Netanyahu's decisions remains uncertain. US officials have expressed growing concerns about Netanyahu's willingness to heed Biden's advice, adding a layer of complexity to the upcoming conversation.
Notably, Netanyahu reportedly instructed his Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to postpone his trip to the US, where he was scheduled to meet with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday. Netanyahu's decision to prioritize speaking with Biden underscores the significance of the impending call between the two leaders.
