US President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to minimize civilian harm as Israel mulls its response to Iran's recent missile strike. This call comes amid mounting pressure from Washington not to strike Iran's oil or nuclear facilities prior to the US presidential elections. The two leaders agreed to stay in close contact over the next few days, and Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has pledged that their attack on Iran will be "deadly, precise, and surprising." The leaders also discussed Israel's offensive against Iranian ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has announced that conditions have been met for a ceasefire and the release of hostages with Hamas. In a phone call with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Gallant discussed the successful operations in Gaza that have led to these conditions. However, tensions continue between the military and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Gallant recently accusing him of hindering the negotiations. While it remains uncertain if a deal will be struck, Israeli troops have continued their attacks in Gaza, with reports of civilian casualties.