Why this Israel-Gaza conflict is so complicated for Biden

President Joe Biden and his top aides are absorbing the explosion of violence in Israel on Saturday and contending with a complicated diplomatic situation unlike any previous conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

It all amounts to one of the most volatile geopolitical situations of Biden's presidency, which is also confronting a war in Ukraine that has become a politically fraught issue at home.

In a phone call Saturday, Biden told Netanyahu, "We stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the government and people of Israel."

Biden said he would remain in close contact with Netanyahu.

Speaking from the White House later Saturday, Biden said his administration's support of Israel's security is "rock solid and unwavering."

"When I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu this morning, I told him the United States stands with the people of Israel in the face of these terrorist assaults. Israel has the right to defend itself and its people, full stop," he said.

The last time major violence broke out between Gaza and Israel, Biden and senior American officials played a critical behind-the-scenes role in brokering a ceasefire. The president spoke with Netanyahu six times, and once each with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (who has no real authority over Gaza) and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.