President Biden said he believes Israel has “every right and responsibility” to defend itself, but urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call to do so in a way that “prioritizes the protection of civilians,” as the country stepped up its ground and air assault. Behind the scenes, the United States pressured Israel to restore the communications it had shut down in the Gaza Strip, according to a senior U.S. official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations. Israel also agreed to speed up inspections to allow 100 aid trucks into Gaza per day, a senior U.S. official told The Washington Post.
