(The Slice): Pres. Joe Biden's response to the present conflict in Israel has been criticized as too passive while Israel continues to unload airstrikes along the Gaza strip. Former VP Mike Pence called Biden's approach to the 2-week long clash between Israel's military and Hamas insurgents "weak."
The White House says the president had another conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday calling for peace and saying he expects a "significant de-escalation today."
The media has questioned why there has not been a direct call for a ceasefire given that the warlike violence is escalating and U.S. security leads as well as Pres. Biden have been in contact with Israel to negotiate a peaceful end. Because we know that words are carefully chosen at the White House, journalists are curious as to why Biden has not directly, literally and formally called for a cease fire in Israel.
Critics question what plans Biden has should his voice continue to be ignored.
PRESS SEC. CORRINE JEAN PIERRE answered questions about this aboard AF1 shortly after following a call between POTUS and Netanyahu, assuring that the U.S. is exercising quiet diplomacy. She said, "We have had over 60 calls in the past week, from the President on down, with senior leaders in aIsrael, the Palestinian Authority, and across the region. And we will continue to remain deeply engaged in intensive, quiet diplomacy to hold the current violence and find the way forward."