A critical conversation between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu centered on Israel’s planned retaliation against Iran, possibly altering regional stability. Vice President Harris participated in the call. Biden is concerned about Middle East violence escalation. Israeli airstrikes continue to reign down on Hezbollah positions.
High-Stakes Conversation
US President Joe Biden engaged in a significant phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to deliberate on Israel’s planned retaliation for Iran’s recent missile attack. The conversation was 30 minutes in length. This is the first time the two have spoken by phone in several months. Attended by Vice President Kamala Harris, The call was characterized as being both direct and productive. The Biden administration remains concerned about the potential for escalating violence that could spiral into a wider regional war involving Iran and the United States.
The dialogue occurred as tensions between Israel and Iran persisted. The discussion was focused on Hezbollah and its recent entrance into the conflict. With these developments, the Biden administration finds itself balancing support for Israel’s right to self-defense with efforts to caution against aggressive military actions that could destabilize the area further. Biden has expressed firm caution against any Israeli plans targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities.
If there ever was a no-win phone call, this is it. Biden will be seen to be weak if he appears to endorse Israel’s target set; and weak if he opposes it and Israel goes ahead anyway. The kicker – If the tit for tat escalates, Biden may end up in a fight w Iran defending Israel. https://t.co/ESMHZ7rcD6
— Aaron David Miller (@aarondmiller2) October 9, 2024
Ongoing Israeli Military Strikes
In tandem with these diplomatic exchanges, Israeli airstrikes have been targeting Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut. There have been reports of hits upon specific weapons manufacturing locations. The IDF continues to place more troops within Southern Lebanon as part of its plans to invade to deal with Hezbollah. These actions are part of Israel’s larger military response to over 180 projectiles launched by Hezbollah, with an accumulated 10,000 rockets fired into Israel over the last year. Prime Minister Netanyahu has issued stern warnings to Lebanon, suggesting a “long war” should they continue to harbor Hezbollah.
The intensifying conflict in Gaza, where the death toll has surpassed 42,000, further complicates Israel’s military posture. Israel has expanded its offensive into northern Gaza, resulting in heavy casualties and displacements.
Additionally, internal unrest continues within Israel, exemplified by a recent stabbing attack in Hadera, which injured six people before police “neutralized” the attacker. These incidents heighten frustrations within the region, contributing to ongoing tensions between Biden and Netanyahu, particularly regarding the handling of the conflict with Gaza and Hezbollah.
Here's how scripted Kamala Harris is.
CNN's Dana Bash threw in a question at the end of the phone interview — which meant Harris could read the entire time from scripts — about her call with Biden and Netanyahu. She had ZERO clue what to say….
Bash: “Madam Vice President,… pic.twitter.com/34icE9Jukk
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) October 9, 2024
Concerns of Escalation
American officials are wary that severe Israeli retaliation could trigger an uncontrollable escalation in the Middle East. Despite Iran’s missile attack earlier this month, Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reportedly does not desire a broader conflict. Nonetheless, Israel’s defense minister has hinted at potential covert operations against Iran, emphasizing the expectation of a surprising and lethal response.
U.S. national security officials categorize the current Middle Eastern situation as precarious, seeking to avoid creating conditions for a broader conflict.
The phone conversation between Biden and Netanyahu underscores a critical moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The United States continues to support Israel, yet faces pressure to remind Israel that larger issues are at play for the region. The unfolding situation requires sensitive handling to prevent widespread regional destabilization.
