Obama reiterates US support for Israel's right to defend itself

WASHINGTON (AFP) - United States President Barack Obama on Friday, reiterated US support for Israel's right to defend itself during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the conflict in Gaza.

The president had also "expressed regret over the loss of Israeli and Palestinian civilian lives," the White House said in a summary of the conversation.

Mr Netanyahu, who initiated the call, expressed his deep appreciation for US investment in the Iron Dome rocket and mortar defence system, "which has effectively defeated hundreds of incoming rockets from Gaza and saved countless Israeli lives," the summary said. The two leaders also "discussed options for de-escalating the situation."

On Friday, Mr Obama also spoke with Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi, commending his country's efforts to de-escalate the situation and expressing his hope that these efforts would be successful, the White House said.