WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama has again spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about escalating violence in the Gaza Strip.

The White House says Netanyahu called Obama on Friday to provide an update on the situation in Israel and Gaza. Netanyahu expressed appreciation to Obama and the American people for U.S. investment in the Iron Dome rocket and mortar defense system, which has been used to defend Israel against rocket attacks from Gaza. The two leaders also spoke Wednesday.

The White House says Obama reiterated U.S. support for Israel's right to self-defense and expressed regret over the loss of Israeli and Palestinian civilian lives.

Militant groups have staged rocket attacks against Israel, which has killed the military chief of the ruling Hamas militant group and conducted dozens of airstrikes into Gaza.