Biden Urges Netanyahu to ‘Minimize Harm’ to Lebanese Civilians

On Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden highlighted the importance of reaching a diplomatic solution to ensure the safe return of both Lebanese and Israeli civilians to their homes on either side of the Blue Line during a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a statement from the White House.

The statement also noted that President Biden reiterated Israel’s right to defend its citizens from Hezbollah, which has launched thousands of rockets and missiles into Israel in the past year. However, he also stressed the importance of minimizing harm to civilians, particularly in the heavily populated areas of Beirut.