Biden administration voices 'unwavering' support for Israel

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan reiterated President Joe Biden's "unwavering" support for what Washington calls Israel's "right to defend itself" in a call with his Israeli counterpart Meir Ben-Shabbat.

Sullivan "condemned the ongoing rocket attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups, including against Jerusalem and Tel Aviv," US National Security Council spokesperson Emily Horne said in a statement describing the call on Tuesday.

It was the second call between Sullivan and Ben-Shabbat in three days.

"He [Sullivan] conveyed the president’s unwavering support for Israel’s security and for its legitimate right to defend itself and its people, while protecting civilians," Horne said. "He also conveyed the United States' encouragement of steps toward restoring a sustainable calm."

The statement said the two officials agreed to remain engaged and discussed steps to restore calm. Sullivan also spoke to Egyptian officials on Tuesday, Horne added.