Biden Spoke to Netanyahu on Wednesday, Urged De-escalation

President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday morning that he expects to see a significant de-escalation in the Gaza conflict, according to the White House.

“The two leaders had a detailed discussion on the state of events in Gaza, Israel’s progress in degrading the capabilities of Hamas and other terrorist elements, and ongoing diplomatic efforts by regional governments and the United States,” the White House said in a readout of the call.

“The President conveyed to the Prime Minister that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire.”

Biden’s comments are noteworthy given that the president merely indicated his support for a ceasefire in his conversation with Netanyahu on Monday.

After that Monday conversation, progressives criticized Biden for not demanding an immediate end to the violence.

It was the fourth call in the past week between the U.S. and Israeli leaders.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also spoke to his Israeli counterpart Benny Gantz on Wednesday about the need for a ceasefire, Defense Ministry officials said.