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President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held their first call in 50 days as Israel prepares for a potential retaliatory strike on Iran.
What’s the deal: According to the White House, President Biden spoke with Netanyahu for 30 minutes, and the conversation was described as ‘direct and productive.’ In a statement, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre said, “The US and the Israeli government have had discussions since last week after the Iran attack, and so that those discussions continued with the president and the prime minister.” Following the call with Netanyahu, Biden spoke with a group of Jewish rabbis and said he ‘fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran and its proxies.’

Keeping the US in the dark?: According to multiple news outlets citing anonymous defense officials, the Israeli government has refrained from sharing specific details of its planned military response against Iran with the Biden administration. Despite ongoing discussions between high-level US and Israeli officials, Israel has chosen to keep their intentions confidential. This lack of disclosure has raised concerns within the US government.
What Israel might do: Israel’s potential response to Iran is reportedly focused on targeting key elements of Iranian military and intelligence infrastructure. While no final decision has been made, Israeli leaders are said to be considering strikes on Iranian air defenses, military bases, and energy facilities, all while avoiding highly sensitive targets such as nuclear sites.
There has also been talk that Israel could target Iran’s oil facilities on Kharg Island, which is responsible for 90% of the country’s oil exports.