WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — For the first time since August, President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone. They talked for 30 minutes on how to respond to Iran’s recent missile attacks.
“It was direct. It was productive. Obviously, the call that the President had with the Prime Minister of Israel,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
The conversation comes at a time when the president has grown frustrated with Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict, as the humanitarian crisis worsens in Gaza.
“We have been making clear to the government of Israel that they have an obligation under international humanitarian law to allow food and water and other needed humanitarian assistance to make it into all parts of Gaza,” State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said.
Israel proceeded with its operations in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah forces raising concerns for the safety of U.S. citizens in Lebanon.
“We are working around the clock to help Americans in Lebanon,” Jean-Pierre said.
The State Department is organizing flights out of Lebanon. More than 1100 people have been evacuated.
“Whatever somebody’s situation is in Lebanon, if you if they want to leave, which we encourage them to do. We want to make sure that we connect them with, either one of these commercial flights or with our U.S government organized flights,” Assistant Secretary of Consular Affairs Rena Bitter said.
Bitter said it will continue this operation for as long as possible.
“We’re really hopeful that American citizens will take advantage of the, having the commercial airport available to leave now,” Bitter said.
She says if anyone there is struggling to get in contact with the State Department or the embassy, their family in the U.S. can help.
If you or someone you know needs help evacuating from Lebanon, you can find more information on the embassy’s page.
