Biden may call Netanyahu 'in weeks ahead'

US-Israel relationship is "long and abiding," says press secretary • Netanyahu, Biden to discuss "a range of issues when they do connect"

THEN-US vice president Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem in 2016. (photo credit: DEBBIE HILL/REUTERS)
THEN-US vice president Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem in 2016.
(photo credit: DEBBIE HILL/REUTERS)
US Press Secretary Jen Psaki suggested during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon that she expects US President Joe Biden to call Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the coming weeks.
After being sworn in, Biden called a number of world leaders, but Netanyahu was not one of them.
She was asked if it is "surprising" that Biden has not called Netanyahu yet, despite him being an "ally."
"I don't know if it's surprising less than two weeks into an administration," she said. "He hasn’t called every foreign leader yet. He certainly would love to spend more time talking to foreign leaders.  That’s – well, you know, his first love is foreign policy, but I expect he’ll continue to have additional engagements in the weeks ahead."
She explained that the US has "a long and abiding relationship with Israel – an important security relationship. I’m sure they’ll discuss that and a range of issues when they do connect."
Meanwhile, US State Department Spokesman Ned Price said that the US will continue to urge countries to normalize ties with Israel.