President Joe Biden wasted no time in reaching out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the devastating Hamas attack on Israel, which claimed the lives of numerous individuals. As the Israeli Prime Minister discussed the potential of entering Gaza in response to the grave situation, the President refrained from discouraging him, according to a US official familiar with the conversation.
The president's decision not to urge Netanyahu to use restraint immediately after the attacks is largely attributed to the extent and brutality of Hamas' assault on Israel, which has shocked officials. As Biden prepares to give his second speech addressing the ongoing conflict in Israel, the president and his national security team are acutely cognizant of the increasing possibility of Israel launching a ground incursion into Gaza.
In the past 72 hours, officials have recognized the precarious situation the administration faces due to this possibility. Generally, the US has always advocated for a ceasefire on all sides when conflicts arise in the region.
Adding to the complexity is the probability of American hostages being detained in Gaza.
During his phone conversations with Netanyahu, the response of Israel has been a topic of discussion. However, officials are cautious about revealing the extent to which Biden is expressing his perspective on the appropriate scale of Israel's response.
The Biden administration has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality in such discussions, and officials have confirmed that this instance will adhere to the same approach.
Bidens first written statement over the weekend did not include the term "ceasefire" - an omission that struck current and former administration officials alike.