The White House stated that Biden and Netanyahu had decided to maintain “close contact” over the next few days and characterized their conversation as “direct” and “productive”. Kamala Harris, the vice president, also answered the phone.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared immediately afterward that his country will launch a “deadly, precise, and above all surprising” attack on Iran.
There are two factors at play. One is Joe Biden’s opposition to the US being forced into an unneeded and hazardous conflict with Iran.
The other is the strong belief held by some Israelis that they have a chance to severely harm Iran, their worst nemesis.
Israelis were eager to end the bloody battle of attrition on their border with Lebanon, and their offensive against Hezbollah has given them newfound vigor.
They perceived growth and achievement in Lebanon, which was a far cry from Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has failed to achieve his two war objectives, which are the annihilation of Hamas and the release of the hostages, in spite of Israel’s assault on Gaza that has claimed the lives of at least 42,000 people, the majority of whom were civilians.
Approximately one hundred hostages are still being held by Hamas; many of them may have already passed away.
