In a statement given on Wednesday, US President Joe Biden said that he spoke to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone and expressed his hope about reaching a peaceful settlement of the conflict “sooner than later” as violent clashes have been gaining significant momentum in the region.

Biden went on to back Israel in a diplomatic manner and said that the country “has a right to defend itself” as thousands of hostile projectiles have been fired towards it, reported AFP.

The President further affirmed that the diplomatic efforts of US were in full swing as the State Department and Pentagon officials were in constant touch with state authorities of all concerned parties, including neighbouring states like Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Qatar.

A White House press release on Biden’s conversation with Netanyahu said that the President “conveyed his unwavering support for Israel’s security and for Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself and its people.”

It further emphasised that the two countries and the leaders plan to stay closely connected in the coming days. This included foreign ministers, defense ministers, chiefs of defense, and national security advisors from both sides.