Biden speaks with Netanyahu, hopes for “swift end” to hostilities

US President Joe Biden spoke at length with PM Binyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday. He said: “My expectation and hope is this will be closing down sooner than later,” Biden said at the White House. “Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory.” Biden did not mention the Palestinians in his comments.   However,  Hady Amr, deputy assistance secretary for Israeli-Palestinian affairs was ordered to head for the region immediately, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.