President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he would converse with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasising the necessity to prevent a full-scale war in the Middle East. “It has to be,” Biden stated to reporters while boarding Air Force One for Washington. “We really have to avoid it.” His remarks followed Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon that resulted in dozens of casualties. Biden did not specify the timing of his planned conversation with Netanyahu.
Israeli strikes have significantly impacted Hezbollah, including the death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. These actions are part of Israel’s intensified efforts to weaken the group’s capability to attack. Over the past 11 months, near-daily rocket attacks from Hezbollah and retaliatory strikes from Israel have led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of Israelis and Lebanese near the border.
The Biden administration is working towards a negotiated resolution to allow displaced civilians to return home and to prevent a broader conflict. Earlier on Sunday, White House national security spokesman John Kirby stated that Israel has dismantled Hezbollah’s command structure through a series of airstrikes, including the strike that killed Nasrallah on Friday. Kirby noted that while Nasrallah’s removal enhances safety, Hezbollah will attempt to recover. “We’re watching to see what they do to try to fill this leadership vacuum. It’s going to be tough,” he added.
Biden reportedly told Israeli PM Netanyahu that if he escalates war in the region, America will not swoop in to save him.
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Kirby avoided commenting on whether the administration supports Israel’s approach to targeting Hezbollah leaders, who reportedly operate near or under civilian sites. Lebanese officials have reported numerous civilian casualties due to these strikes.
The White House continues to urge Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a 21-day temporary ceasefire proposed by the U.S., France, and other nations during the U.N. General Assembly last week. Kirby highlighted the importance of a diplomatic solution for the safe and sustainable return of displaced individuals. He made these comments on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- **U.S. News and World Report** highlights President Biden’s pledge to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, emphasizing the need to avoid an all-out war in the Middle East following recent airstrikes and Hezbollah losses.(read more)
- BBC News: The article details US President Joe Biden’s efforts to contain the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, despite ongoing airstrikes and a lack of diplomatic progress, emphasizing the administration’s determination to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.(read more)
- NBC News reports that Netanyahu, not Biden, is setting the agenda in the Middle East, with the Israeli prime minister’s actions leading to a growing crisis and U.S. diplomatic efforts being largely ineffective.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did President Biden say about avoiding war in the Middle East?
Biden said an all-out war in the Middle East must be avoided.
Who was killed in the Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon?
The airstrikes killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and several of the group’s leaders.
What is the current situation near the Israel-Lebanon border?
Tens of thousands of Israelis and Lebanese have been forced to evacuate due to near-daily rocket volleys and airstrikes.
What is the Biden administration’s stance on resolving the conflict?
The Biden administration is trying to bring about a negotiated resolution to prevent a wider regional conflict.
What did John Kirby say about the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah?
Kirby said people are safer without Nasrallah but warned Hezbollah will try to rebuild quickly.
