Biden, Netanyahu speak for first time since August as Israeli response against Iran looms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a highly-anticipated telephonic conversation with US President Joe Bidenon Wednesday (Oct 9) as Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call, the premier's office announced, as per a report in The Times of Israel.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now in conversation with the President of the United States Joe Biden, at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.Netanyahu was joined bydiplomatic adviser Ophir Falk, Military Secretary Roman Gofman, Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman, and deputy head of National Security Council Gil Reich among others.

Netanyahu and Biden last spoke on August 21, according to a White House statement. Wednesday's phone call is important as it comes in the backdrop of Israel preparing to respond to Iran for firing nearly 200 ballistic missiles on its territory last week.

Biden has cautioned Israel against attempting to target Iran's nuclear sites, which would risk major retaliation and lead to a regional war, thereby destabilising the world.

The phone call between Netanyahu, Biden and Harris endedafter 50 minutes, the PM’s office shared later.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Meanwhile, Netanyahu has already warned that Lebanon, which houses the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant outfit, could face a "long war like we see in Gaza". As for Iran, the Israeli PM has kept cards close to the chest, but reports indicate thata major reply is in the offing.

Watch |Israel-Hamas War: Benjamin Netanyahu Visits Jerusalem Memorial

Biden calls Netanyahu a liar

A new book by veteran US journalist Bob Woodward revealed that not all has been courteous between the two leaders on phone calls in recent months.According to Woodward, Biden called Netanyahua "f****ing liar' afterIsrael Defense Forces (IDF) troops launched a ground operation in Rafah despite the American president's protest.

“What’s your strategy, man?” Biden questioned Bibi during the April phone call.

The book added that during a private meeting with one of his associates, Biden called Netanyahu a 'bad guy' and 'that son of a b***h'.

"That son of a b***h, Bibi Netanyahu, he’s a bad guy. He’s a bad fucking guy!” read the book's excerpt published byCNN.

In another phone call, Biden scolded Netanyahu and told the Israeli PM to "stop bullshi**ing" himas talks surrounding the hostage deal reached an impasse

(With inputs from agencies)