U.S. President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. military is redeploying forces in the Middle East to protect Israel from potential attacks by Iran and its proxy forces.

This decision follows a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which Biden also urged for de-escalation of regional tensions and a ceasefire in Gaza.

The discussions come amid concerns that Iran and allied militant groups may retaliate for the recent killings of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hizbollah’s senior military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, with Israel claiming responsibility for Shukr’s death, the Financial Times has reported.

Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security and emphasized the importance of pursuing a ceasefire to help reduce tensions in the region.