UPDATE: Netanyahu says he is "determined" to continue operations against Hamas until Israeli's goal is met.
"I have just come from the IDF operational command center; it is very impressive. With every passing day we are striking at more of the terrorist organizations' capabilities, targeting more senior commanders, toppling more terrorist buildings and hitting more weaponry stockpiles. pic.twitter.com/qfZ7NkKo2o
— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 19, 2021
***Original post***
President Joe Biden is calling on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "de-escalate" with Hamas terrorists in Gaza as the Iranian backed organization continues its attacks on innocent civilians.
"President Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu today. 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 President conveyed to the Prime Minister that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire," the White House released about a call between Biden and Netanyahu Wednesday morning.
Hamas and now terrorists in Lebanon are ignoring Biden's calls for calm.
4 rockets were just fired from Lebanon at northern Israel, 1 of which was intercepted by the Iron Dome.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 19, 2021
In response, IDF artillery forces are striking a number of targets in Lebanon.
We are prepared for any scenario on any front.
Netanyahu released the following after the call.
I spoke with 70 foreign Ambassadors and diplomats today in Tel Aviv.
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) May 19, 2021
I shared with them the truth and the facts about Israel's rightful battle to defend its people. https://t.co/4kh6fUcfQ2
Biden's call for a ceasefire comes less than 24 hours after Democrat Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who supports Hamas, confronted Biden in Michigan about U.S. support for Israel to defend itself.
Representative Rashida Tlaib, Democrat of Michigan, confronted President Biden on Tuesday over his support for Israel, urging him to do more to protect Palestinian lives and human rights, according to an aide familiar with their exchange. https://t.co/K2HNQiJAJg
— The New York Times (@nytimes) May 18, 2021
Meanwhile, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is weighing in on the situation.
"That's their mission statement. They want to wipe Israel from the face of the Earth. The Israelis are simply trying to defend themselves." @mikepompeo comments on the likelihood of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel @BillHemmer @DanaPerino pic.twitter.com/0I0oUtapSJ
— America's Newsroom (@AmericaNewsroom) May 18, 2021