Committed to defending Israel, Biden tells Netanyahu

Washington, August 2
US President Joe Biden has spoken to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security against all threats from Iran and its proxies, as the country braces for a response to the assassination of a top Hamas leader in Tehran.
Vice-President Kamala Harris, who is now the presumptive presidential candidate of the Democratic Party in the November 5 election, also joined the call on Thursday.
“The president reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis,” said a readout of the call.
The president discussed efforts to support Israel’s defence against threats, including against ballistic missiles and drones, to include new defensive US military deployments, it said.
The call comes following the assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah senior general Fuad Shukr in Beirut.
“Together with this commitment to Israel’s defence, the president stressed the importance of ongoing efforts to de-escalate broader tensions in the region. Vice President Harris also joined the call,” the White House said.
Netanyahu’s government has not commented on the slaying of Haniyeh in Tehran, but the Palestinian militant group has blamed Israel. Iran has vowed to avenge the killing. — PTI

Hamas leader Haniyeh buried in Qatar

Hamas’ top leader Ismail Haniyeh was buried in Qatar on Friday following his assassination in Iranian capital Tehran, and his possible succcessor Khaled Meshaal said his death would only make the group more determined in its struggle against Israel.

Air India suspends Tel Aviv flights till Aug 8

Air India on Friday announced suspension of flights to Tel Aviv till August 8, amid escalating tensions in the West Asia. The Tata Group-owned airline operates five weekly flights to the Israeli city from the national capital.