Israeli Assault Will Continue ‘as Long as Needed,’ Netanyahu Says

Israel’s air and artillery assaults against Palestinian militants will “continue as long as needed,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday.

“You cannot hide — not above ground, and not underground. Nobody is immune,” he said, speaking to the leaders of Hamas in Gaza, and he thanked U.S. President Joe Biden and other world leaders for their support. Biden called Netanyahu on Saturday and said he condemned the rocket attacks by Hamas and reaffirmed his support for Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas and other terrorist groups. He also expressed concern for the safety of journalists and the need to ensure their protection, according to a White House readout of the call. Biden also spoke by phone with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, their first phone call since Biden took office in January.