Netanyahu updates Obama on Gaza operation

"Prime Minister Netanyahu called the President today to provide an update on the situation in Israel and Gaza," said the White House late Friday. The president reiterated US support for Israel’s right to defend itself, and the Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation to the president and the American people for the United States’ investment in the Iron Dome rocket and mortar defense system, which has effectively defeated hundreds of incoming rockets from Gaza and saved countless Israeli lives." They discussed options for de-escalating the situation. In a separate conversation with President Mohamed Morsi, Obama praised Egypt’s efforts to de-escalate the situation.