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  World   Americas  18 May 2021  US President Joe Biden tells Netanyahu he backs 'ceasefire' in Israel: White House

US President Joe Biden tells Netanyahu he backs 'ceasefire' in Israel: White House

AFP
Published : May 18, 2021, 12:28 pm IST
Updated : May 18, 2021, 1:19 pm IST

Biden has so far resisted joining other world leaders and much of his own Democratic party in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Israel

US President Joe Biden dialled up Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday. (Photo: File/PTI)
 US President Joe Biden dialled up Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday. (Photo: File/PTI)

Washington: US President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday that he backs having a ceasefire in the bloody exchanges between Israelis and Palestinians, but he stopped short of openly demanding a truce.

In a phone call with the Israeli prime minister, "the president expressed his support for a ceasefire and discussed US engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end," the White House said.

Biden has so far resisted joining other world leaders and much of his own Democratic party in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Israel.

In a statement, the White House said Biden reiterated what has been his main message so far: "his firm support for Israel's right to defend itself against indiscriminate rocket attacks."

Biden "encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians," the statement said.

But the White House has steered clear of condemning any aspect of the ongoing Israeli military strikes, saying that the close US ally is justified in responding forcefully to Hamas rocket volleys.

Officials have suggested that more critical views are being relayed in private.

Tags: joe biden, benjamin netanyahu, israel attacks, gaza air strikes
Location: United States, Washington