Biden Tells Netanyahu US Support Hinges on Protecting Civilians

After their call, Israel announces new steps to increase aid
Biden faces pressure to change position on Israel-Hamas war

Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on Oct. 18.Photographer: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

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By Jordan Fabian and Galit Altstein

April 4, 2024 at 5:54 PM UTC

Updated on

April 5, 2024 at 4:18 AM UTC

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President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that US support for his war in Gaza depends on new steps to protect civilians, a shift in position for the American leader who has faced increased pressure to take a harder line against Israel amid mounting deaths.

The warning, delivered in a Thursday phone call between the two leaders, signaled that Biden is toughening his stance after an Israeli strike that killed seven people delivering food to displaced Palestinians in Gaza. Biden called the incident “unacceptable,” according to a White House description of the conversation.