Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks on after delivering a statement to the media at Hakirya a military base in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. Israel's prime minister says the military is prepared to broaden its operation against Hamas targets in Gaza. Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel cannot tolerate continued rocket attacks against its citizens. In his first comments since Israel killed the commander of the Hamas military wing, Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel is "prepared to expand the operation". (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks on after delivering a statement to the media at Hakirya a military base in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. Israel's prime minister says the military is prepared to broaden its operation against Hamas targets in Gaza. Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel cannot tolerate continued rocket attacks against its citizens. In his first comments since Israel killed the commander of the Hamas military wing, Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel is "prepared to expand the operation". (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Egyptians chant slogans against latest Israel airstrikes in Gaza during a protest in Cairo, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. Egypt has recalled its ambassador to Israel after an Israeli airstrike killed the military commander of Gaza's ruling Hamas. In a statement read on state TV, a spokesman says that President Mohammed Morsi recalled the ambassador and has asked the Arab League's secretary general to convene an emergency ministerial meeting in the wake of the Gaza violence. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
President Barack Obama answers a question during a news conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov.14, 2012. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
WASHINGTON (AP) ? President Barack Obama spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi Wednesday night about rocket attacks being launched from Gaza into Israel and escalating violence in the Gaza Strip.
The White House said Obama reiterated U.S. support for Israel's right to self-defense from rocket attacks being launched against its civilians and urged Israel to "make every effort to avoid civilian casualties" in its response.
Israel carried out a blistering offensive of more than 50 airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, assassinating Hamas' military commander in the most intense attack on the territory in nearly four years.
Israel said the airstrikes, launched in response to days of rocket fire out of Hamas-ruled Gaza, were the beginning of a broader operation against Islamic militants. Israeli defense officials said a ground operation was a strong possibility in the coming days though they stressed no decisions had been made.
Obama and Netanyahu agreed that Hamas needs to stop its attacks on Israel to allow tensions to ease, the White House said. The two leaders agreed to stay in close touch in the coming days. Earlier Wednesday Netanyahu also spoke to Vice President Joe Biden on the events in Gaza.
Obama spoke separately to Morsi, given Egypt's central role in preserving regional security, the White House said. The two men agreed on the need to de-escalate the conflict as quickly as possible.
With at least 10 Palestinians dead, including two young children, Wednesday's offensive was certain to set off a new round of heavy fighting with Gaza militants, who have built up a formidable arsenal of rockets and missiles.
It also threatened to upset Israel's relations with neighboring Egypt and shake up the campaign for Israeli elections in January. In a preliminary response, Egypt recalled its ambassador to Israel in protest.
Israel's relations have been deteriorating with Egypt's new Islamist government, and Egypt's lawless Sinai desert has become a staging ground for militant attacks on Israel.
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