Biden and Netanyahu have first call after delay

US president and Israeli PM discussed regional issues, including Iran and recent diplomatic normalisation deals.

Joe Biden had his first official phone call with Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House confirmed on Wednesday after questions swirled over whether the United States president was trying to send a message to the Israeli prime minister by delaying the call. Biden told White House pool reporters he had a “good conversation” with Netanyahu on Wednesday. It was Biden’s first call to a Middle East leader since he took office on January 20, signalling the importance of the US-Israel relationship, which has been strong for decades but was significantly bolstered by former President Donald Trump – a staunch Netanyahu ally.