Biden warns Israel against West Bank annexation

US president and prime minister also discuss expanding settlements and proposed peace plan

President reaffirmed his ironclad commitment to Israels security

WASHINGTON, April 28 (CNN) - President Joe Biden spoke by phone Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, their first known conversation since Biden took office.

During the call, Biden "reaffirmed his ironclad commitment to Israel's security and its future as a Jewish and democratic state," according to a White House readout of the conversation.

The two leaders also discussed the "urgent challenges" facing the region and the importance of working together to address them.

This included discussing the need to "de-escalate tensions in the region and restore calm," the White House said.

"The President expressed his concern about Israels plans to evict Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem," the readout added.

"He reaffirmed that the United States and Israel share a strong interest in a stable and secure Jerusalem."

Biden also reiterated his support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"The President emphasized the importance of avoiding steps that could undermine the prospects for a two-state solution," the White House said.

"He also expressed his support for a negotiated solution that would end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and lead to a just and lasting peace."

Netanyahu, in a statement released by his office, said he had a "good conversation" with Biden.

"We agreed to continue our close cooperation on all security issues," Netanyahu said.

"We also discussed the importance of expanding the circle of peace with additional Arab countries, and other regional issues."

The call comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region.

In recent weeks, there have been a series of violent incidents in Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Violence between Israelis and Palestinians has escalated since the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, with clashes at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and the deaths of several Israelis and Palestinians.

The Biden administration has been urging calm and restraint on both sides.

The White House readout of the call between Biden and Netanyahu did not mention any specific steps that the two leaders agreed to take.

However, it is clear that the Biden administration is concerned about the situation in the region and is working to find ways to de-escalate tensions.

The call between Biden and Netanyahu is a sign that the Biden administration is taking the situation in the region seriously and is committed to working with Israel to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.