WASHINGTON – US President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister BenjaminNetanyahu on Monday that he backs having a ceasefire in the bloodyexchanges between Israelis and Palestinians, but he stopped short of openlydemanding a truce.

In a phone call with the Israeli prime minister, “the president expressedhis support for a ceasefire and discussed US engagement with Egypt andother partners towards that end,” the White House said.

Biden has so far resisted joining other world leaders and much of his ownDemocratic party in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Israel.

In a statement, the White House said Biden reiterated what has been hismain message so far: “his firm support for Israel’s right to defend itselfagainst indiscriminate rocket attacks.”

Biden “encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection ofinnocent civilians,” the statement said.

But the White House has steered clear of condemning any aspect of theongoing Israeli military strikes, saying that the close US ally isjustified in responding forcefully to Hamas rocket volleys.

Officials have suggested that more critical views are being relayed inprivate. APP/AFP