Biden, Netanyahu Speak for the First Time in More Than a Month as Tensions Rise

Published on March 18, 2024

WASHINGTON—President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had their first phone conversation in over a month on March 18, amid rising tensions between the two leaders over the Gaza conflict. Both leaders discussed the most recent developments in Israel and Gaza, especially the situation in Rafah and measures to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, the White House stated. The president expressed his deep concerns about the possibility of Israel initiating major military operations in Rafah, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on March 18. Speaking during a White House briefing, Mr. Sullivan noted that a million people have taken refuge in Rafah and have nowhere else to go as Gaza and other major cities have largely been destroyed....