President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu he supports a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants.
In a statement on Monday after Biden had a call with Netanyahu, the White House said, āThe President spoke today with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The President reiterated his firm support for Israelās right to defend itself against indiscriminate rocket attacks. The President welcomed efforts to address intercommunal violence and to bring calm to Jerusalem.ā
āHe encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians. The two leaders discussed progress in Israelās military operations against Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza. The President expressed his support for a ceasefire and discussed U.S. engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end,ā it added.
Read the statement below:
The statement comes as the conflict entered its second week, which has left at least 200 Palestinians dead after Israeli airstrikes. Additionally, at least 10 Israelis have died after rockets were fired by militants into population centers.
The death toll among Israelis is lower due to the countryās Iron Dome defense system, which intercepts short-range rockets fired by militants in Gaza. Israeli officials say the system is roughly 90% effective in blocking short-range rockets.
Until Monday, the White House had expressed support for Israelās right to defend itself but had not publicly expressed support for a ceasefire.
As the conflict has raged on, Congressional Democrats have called for a ceasefire and urged Biden to adopt a tougher stance against Israelās military actions.
During an interview on CBS Newsā āFace The Nationā on Sunday, Netanyahu suggested there would not be an immediate ceasefire as he said Israel would ādo whatever it takes to restore order and quiet ā¦ and weāre trying to degrade Hamasās terrorist abilities and their ability to do this again.ā