Biden and Netanyahu Discuss Security, Rafah Tensions amid Campus Protests

President Joe Biden recently held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against the backdrop of intensifying campus protests and looming military action in Rafah. During their discussion, Biden reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to Israel’s security following Iranian missile and drone strikes earlier this month. The leaders also reviewed hostage negotiations and humanitarian aid efforts for Gaza but showed disparity concerning Israeli strategies pertaining to Rafah where over one million Palestinians are currently seeking refuge. Kirby, a National Security Council spokesperson, stated during an ABC News interview that Israelis have assured the US they will not invade Rafah until after their concerns and perspectives with Washington have been shared. Biden’s support for Israel has drawn criticism from progressives and Muslim Americans following Hamas’ surprise terrorist attack on October 7th. Some activists are calling for an end to hostilities, while others urge universities to pull financial assets associated with companies linked with the Middle East state as demonstrators campaign for greater university campus actions towards Israel since a spike in violent outbreaks sparked by Israeli military operations against Gaza Strip militants last month. The conversation was their first exchange between both heads of state after an April 4 telephone chat, during which Biden expressed his disapproval over the killing of seven World Central Kitchen humanitarian workers as he condemned strikes on non-combatant targets and stressed that such acts are “unacceptable.” After Hamas’ surprise terrorist attack in early October last year, some activists have called for greater university campus actions towards Israel since a spike in violent outbreaks sparked by Israeli military operations against Gaza Strip militants last month. Biden has faced criticism from progressives and Muslim Americans following Hamas’ surprising terror assault on Oct 7th. Some protesters are calling for an end to hostilities, while others urge universities to divest financial assets associated with companies linked with Israel as demonstrators campaign for greater university campus actions towards the Middle Eastern state since a spike in violent outbreaks sparked by Israeli military operations against Gaza Strip militants last month.