Biden tells Netanyahu he expects a ‘significant de-escalation TODAY on the path to a ceasefire’ in their fourth call after Israeli PM said he could ‘conquer’ Hamas

  • President Biden hardened public stance on Israel in a phone call Wednesday morning
  • ‘The president conveyed to the prime minister that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire,’ said the White House 
  • The aim is a ‘sustainable calm,’ added a spokeswoman traveling with the president on Air Force One
  • Prime Minister Netanyahu said he did not ‘rule out anything’ in tackling Hamas
  • At least 219 Palestinians have died in the fighting, according to Gaza ministry of health
  • Twelve people have been killed in Israel since tensions erupted into violence on May 10 
  • Biden’s shift came after Rep. Rashida Tlaib told him Palestinian human rights were ‘not a bargaining chip’