President Joe Biden increased pressure on Israel Wednesday to seek a ceasefire with Hamas amid continued deadly clashes.
The president told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that “he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire,” White House deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.
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Jean-Pierre did not respond directly when asked if Netanyahu agreed.
The president spoke to Netanyahu before leaving for Connecticut, where he will deliver the commencement remarks at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Jean-Pierre said it was his fourth call with the Israeli leader.
Biden has come under increased pressure from Democratic allies in Washington to press Israel toward a ceasefire.
Earlier Wednesday, Netanyahu said in a press conference that his goal was to stop Hamas militants, who have launched thousands of rockets into Israel since last week. He said Israel was currently engaged in “forceful deterrence” but would not rule out other actions.
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As part of his commencement address to the Coast Guard Academy on Wednesday, Biden will discuss “how economic security is national security and the need to invest at home so we operate from a position of strength,” Jean-Pierre said.
