Biden voices uncritical support for Israel after call with Netanyahu

The White House issued another statement of uncritical support for Israel on Saturday after a call between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"The president reaffirmed his strong support for Israel’s right to defend itself against rocket attacks from Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza," the White House said in a statement describing the call. 

"He condemned these indiscriminate attacks against towns and cities across Israel."

It was the second time Biden had spoken to Netanyahu since the crisis began. The call came hours after Israel bombed a building housing the offices of several media outlets in Gaza, including the Associated Press and Middle East Eye.

Biden, who had vowed to pursue a foreign policy centring human rights, failed to condemn the attack. Instead, he merely expressed "concern" for the safety of journalists.

The administration has been using the word "concern" when it comes to Israel's action in an apparent effort to avoid explicitly criticising the Israeli government.

"The President noted that this current period of conflict has tragically claimed the lives of Israeli and Palestinian civilians, including children," the statement said. "He raised concerns about the safety and security of journalists and reinforced the need to ensure their protection."