President Joe Biden is scheduled to have a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday as Israel intensifies its ground operation in Lebanon and deliberates on its response to Iran's recent ballistic missile attack.
The call between the two leaders comes in the wake of the anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, which triggered the Gaza conflict that has now escalated into a broader regional crisis. This communication marks the first discussion between Biden and Netanyahu since August 21.
Israel is currently weighing its options on how to react to the Iranian missile assault on October 1, which was repelled with the assistance of the United States. President Biden has made it clear that he does not support an Israeli counterstrike on targets linked to Tehran's nuclear program.
Israel's potential responses range from a symbolic gesture, akin to its previous reactions to Iranian provocations, to more significant actions such as targeting oil facilities and critical infrastructure.
Over the past seven weeks, Israel has been engaged in a series of covert operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, where the militant group has continued to launch attacks on Israel using missiles, rockets, and drones.
Israel has initiated limited ground operations along its northern border with Lebanon to root out Hezbollah fighters. Airstrikes have resulted in the death of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and significant losses within the group's leadership.
In a recent incident, numerous explosives concealed in communication devices used by Hezbollah detonated, causing casualties among both combatants and civilians. Israel is widely suspected to be behind this attack.
The United States has bolstered its military presence in the region to safeguard American interests and support Israel. Washington has been increasingly insistent on being kept informed of Israel's decision-making processes to ensure the safety of U.S. forces in the Middle East.
