President Joe Biden stepped up the pressure on Israel to end 10 days of violent fighting with Palestinians, making clear in a call Wednesday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire” in the battle with Hamas.
Biden asked Netanyahu to move “toward the path to a cease-fire,” according to a White House description of their conversation.
Shortly after the call, the Israel Defense Forces announced new strikes on Lebanon:
“4 rockets were just fired from Lebanon at northern Israel, 1 of which was intercepted by the Iron Dome. In response, IDF artillery forces are striking a number of targets in Lebanon. We are prepared for any scenario on any front.”
