Biden speaks with Netanyahu as Israelis appear closer to Rafah offensive
President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Monday morning a White House official said, as Israel appeared closer to launching an offensive on the southern Gaza city of Rafah
By Zeke Miller And Aamer Madhani
Published - May 06, 2024, 11:10 AM ET
Last Updated - May 27, 2024, 01:02 AM EDT
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Monday morning a White House official said, as Israel appeared closer to launching an offensive on the southern Gaza city of Rafah — a move staunchly opposed by the U.S. on humanitarian grounds.
The call comes hours before Biden is to host King Abdullah II of Jordan for a private lunch meeting at the White House on Monday.
On Sunday, Netanyahu rejected international pressure to halt the war in Gaza in a fiery speech marking the country’s annual Holocaust memorial day, declaring: “If Israel is forced to stand alone, Israel will stand alone.”
