Biden And Netanyahu To Hold First Call Since February 15

Barak Ravid at Axios reporting on X that US President Joe Biden is expected to speak to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu today, "per two sources." Should it go ahead, the call would be the first contact between the two leaders since February 15.

• The call comes in the aftermath of a speech by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) last week which criticised Netanyahu's administration and provoked a forceful response from Israeli government officials. Biden declined to explicitly endorse Schumer's speech but said it reflected, "a serious concern shared not only by him but by many Americans."
• Biden and Netanyahu's call is likely to focus on an upcoming IDF operation in the Gaza city of Rafah. The White House has identified a ground invasion of Rafah - without a credible plan to safeguard civilians - a 'red line'.
• Netanyahu told reporters yesterday that an operation in Rafah "will happen" and will take "several weeks," according to the BBC.
• Axios reported last week: "U.S. officials say an Israeli military operation in Rafah would likely lead to a significant shift in U.S. policy — including an end to the defense of Israel at the United Nations and restrictions on the use of U.S. weapons by Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza."
• Today, an Israeli delegation will attend mediated talks with Hamas in Qatar on a six-week ceasefire agreement. An official close to talks said the negotiations could take at least six weeks.