Netanyahu Vows ‘We Will Stand Alone’ in Conversation with Biden

President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Monday morning, according to a White House official and a National Security Council spokesperson. The conversation took place as Israel was considering launching an offensive on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, a move that is strongly opposed by the U.S. on humanitarian grounds.

The NSC spokesperson stated that Biden expressed U.S. concerns about a potential invasion of Rafah, where over 1 million civilians from other parts of Gaza are currently seeking shelter after months of conflict sparked by Hamas’ attack on Israel. Biden emphasized that reaching a cease-fire with Hamas is the best way to ensure the safety of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The officials who provided this information wished to remain anonymous until an official statement from the White House is released.

The phone call between Biden and Netanyahu occurred shortly before Biden was scheduled to meet with King Abdullah II of Jordan for a private lunch at the White House on Monday.

Netanyahu firmly rejected international pressure on Sunday to end the conflict in Gaza during a passionate speech commemorating the country’s annual Holocaust memorial day. He declared, “If Israel is forced to stand alone, Israel will stand alone.”

“I say to the leaders of the world: No amount of pressure, no decision by any international forum will prevent Israel from defending itself,” Netanyahu stated in English. “Never again is now.”