Biden remains muted on latest Israeli- Palestinian violence

 As Hamas rockets have rained down on Israeli cities, Israeli airstrikes and artillery have crumbled buildings in the Gaza Strip, and violent mobs have attacked one another in Israel's streets, President Biden has remained mostly muted about the escalating crisis.

Biden did not issue any hastily arranged remarks on the Middle East violence, or even bring up the topic himself when he appeared in public. The times Biden spoke publicly on the matter came when reporters specifically asked about it. And when he talked, the president appeared to weigh every word very carefully, and spoke in muted tones.

"My expectation and hope is that this will be closing down sooner than later," Biden said at the White House on Wednesday.

"Constant contact" is how Biden phrased it to reporters. He has personally spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Blinken spoke to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. A State Department envoy has traveled to the region. And calls are being placed to officials in Egypt, Jordan and Qatar — countries the White House sees as having communication and influence with the Hamas militants launching rocket attacks. 

Biden administration has made it clear that it is much more interested in focusing foreign policy resources on competition with China and economic issues that directly affect the American middle class, rather than getting caught up in Middle Eastern conflicts that have frustrated numerous U.S. presidents.