Psaki says Biden will speak with Netanyahu 'soon' after 3 weeks without a call: 'Israel is an important ally'

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that President Biden would call Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "soon," downplaying concerns that the new administration could be shutting out the Israeli leader.

Israeli pundits question the message Biden is sending in not making contact with Netanyahu nearly a month into the administration. The new president has already made a flurry of phone calls to American friends around the world, including leaders in Canada, Britain, France, Japan, Mexico, Germany, South Korea, and even some foes: He spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Former President Trump called Netanyahu two days into office.  The U.S. is Israel’s closest ally, providing about $3.8 billion in annual military aid and shielding it from censure in international forums over its policies toward the Palestinians.