US President Joe Biden called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, for what an unnamed senior administration official described as a "candid and constructive" conversation.

The phone call lasted 30 minutes. Netanyahu’s office said the conversation focused on “the Iran threat and expansion of the peace circle” with the Arab world. “[President Biden] underscored his belief that democratic values have always been, and must remain, a hallmark of the US-Israel relationship, that democratic societies are strengthened by genuine checks and balances, and that fundamental changes should be pursued with the broadest possible base of popular support,” a detailed statement issued by the White House read.

The US statement is clearly credible. Those privy to the contents of the conversation say Biden gave Netanyahu a civics lesson and even offered US help in resolving Israel’s domestic crisis, much as he would to the last of the authoritarian leaders. Winding up the call, the two leaders promised to “keep in touch.” At best, the call could be perceived as an insult to Netanyahu, who won elections almost five months ago and is still waiting for an invitation to the White House. He can but hope that next time Biden will not end their conversation with the words, "Don’t call us, we’ll call you."

The Biden administration is at a wit's end. Judging by the phone call and other statements by senior American officials on the internal developments in Israel, it has little idea how to deal with this explosive, unprecedented crisis shaking its close ally.