US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a crucial call on Wednesday, marking their first dialogue in weeks amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. The call, which lasted 30 minutes, also included US Vice-President Kamala Harris.
The White House described the conversation as “direct and very productive,” with discussions focusing on Israel’s response to Iran’s recent missile attack. Following the call, Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant issued a stern warning, stating that their retaliatory attack against Iran would be “deadly, precise, and above all surprising.”
Meanwhile, in the Middle East region, fighting between Hezbollah and Israel has intensified, resulting in casualties on both sides. Israeli civilians were tragically killed by Hezbollah rockets, marking the first civilian deaths since the conflict escalated.
The situation in Lebanon remains dire, with millions of people displaced from their homes. Lebanon’s government reported that as many as 1.2 million individuals have fled their homes over the past year, with over 400,000 seeking refuge in war-torn Syria.
Hezbollah, a powerful organization in Lebanon, has remained defiant despite suffering significant losses in recent weeks. The group expressed confidence in its ability to resist Israeli aggression.
The ongoing conflict has raised concerns globally, with the US defending Israel’s right to retaliate while also attempting to limit the scope of the response. The situation remains fluid, with tensions running high in the region as both sides navigate a delicate balance of power.
