President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held their first interaction in more than a month on Monday as the rift between the allies over the Gaza food crisis and wartime behavior has grown, the White House said.

The call comes after Washington Republicans and Israeli officials quickly expressed outrage at the Senate majority leader

Charles E.

Schumer

(DN.Y.)

sharply criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza and called on Israel to hold new elections. They accused the Democratic leader of violating the unwritten rule against interfering in the electoral politics of a close ally.

Biden has not endorsed Schumer’s call for new elections

S

but said he thought

Schumerhe

gave a good speech that reflected the concerns of many Americans.

The White House is skeptical of Netanyahu’s plan to carry out a military operation in the southern city of Rafah, where more than a million displaced Palestinians have fled, as Israel seeks to eliminate Hamas after Hamas’ deadly attack in October. 7 attack. Biden administration officials have warned that they would not support such an operation without the Israelis presenting a credible plan to ensure the safety of innocent Palestinian civilians.

Israel has not yet presented such a plan, according to White House officials.

Madhani, Miller and Frankel write for the Associated Press.