US President Joe Biden, in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, reaffirmed Washington’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security amidst escalating regional tensions. The statement followed the assassination of a senior Hamas leader in Tehran.
Joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden on the other hand pressed on the ongoing efforts to mitigate broader regional conflicts, as highlighted in a White House statement.
The conversation also coincided with Israel's announcement of the elimination of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.
While Netanyahu's administration has remained silent on the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran while the Palestinian militant group has pointed fingers at Israel.
Biden reiterated his stance on defending Israel against threats from Iran and its proxy groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Huthis.
“The president discussed efforts to support Israel's defence against threats, including against ballistic missiles and drones, to include new defensive US military deployments,” the White House disclosed.
Both Hamas and Hezbollah, alongside Yemen’s Houthi rebels, are known to receive substantial backing from Iran.
The context of Biden’s reaffirmation comes amidst Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
This conflict intensified following the October 7 Hamas attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, predominantly civilians, according to a report tally based on official Israeli figures.
The militants also captured 251 hostages, of which 111 remain in Gaza, including 39 whom the military claims are deceased.
In retaliation, Israel’s military campaign has led to the deaths of at least 39,480 individuals in Gaza, as per the health ministry of the Hamas-run territory, though specific civilian and militant death counts remain undisclosed.
The killing of Shukr, according to Israeli sources, was in response to a recent deadly rocket assault from Hezbollah on the annexed Golan Heights.
