"US-Israel Tensions Escalate as Biden Speaks with Netanyahu Amid Gaza Crisis"

President Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid escalating tensions over the direction of the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, following Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's call for Netanyahu's ouster. The call, the first since February, came after Biden described Schumer's remarks as expressing serious concern shared by many Americans. White House national security communications adviser John Kirby dodged questions about whether Biden believes Netanyahu is an impediment to peace, emphasizing the long-standing relationship between the two leaders and the respect for Israel's sovereignty.