Biden updates Netanyahu on US efforts to help restore a ‘sustainable calm’

The White House has released its readout from US President Joe Biden’s phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier today.

Biden mentioned the call briefly during a press conference shortly before the readout was published, saying he was hopeful that the latest round of violence could come to a close soon.

“Biden condemned the rocket attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups, including against Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. He conveyed his unwavering support for Israel’s security and for Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself and its people, while protecting civilians,” the readout says.

“He also conveyed the United States’ encouragement of a pathway toward restoring a sustainable calm. He shared his conviction that Jerusalem, a city of such importance to people of faith from around the world, must be a place of peace.”

Biden updated Netanyahu on the US’s diplomatic engagement with regional countries, including Egypt, Jordan and Qatar, as well as with Palestinian officials, the readout continues.

“The two leaders agreed to maintain close consultation between their teams, which has included consistent engagement by their respective foreign ministers, defense ministers, chiefs of defense and national security advisors, and to stay in touch personally in the days ahead,” the statement adds.