Biden reaffirms support for Israel operations, but also early ceasefire

 In his third conversation in a week with PM Binyamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden on Monday,” reiterated his firm support for Israel’s right to defend itself against indiscriminate rocket attacks,” according to the White House readout. He also “updated the prime minister on US engagement with Egypt and other partners to broker a ceasefire.” Biden went on to welcome the Israeli government’s “efforts to address inter-communal violence and to bring calm to Jerusalem.”

In a separate statement, Netanyahu reaffirmed that the Israeli operation would continue until its objectives are achieved, sending a message to Hamas that it is not worth their while to send rockets again. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi told local authority leaders in southern Israel on Monday that the fighting will go on for at least another two days, “as long as necessary.”