As the Middle East faces heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the need to avoid a full-scale regional war. “It has to be avoided,” Biden told reporters while preparing to board Air Force One for Washington. He indicated that a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was on the horizon, although he did not specify when.
Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have led to significant casualties, with Sunday’s strikes killing dozens of people. Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed militant group, has been targeted by Israel in an effort to weaken its command structure. Most notably, Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an airstrike on Friday.
The conflict has displaced tens of thousands of civilians on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border, as rocket attacks and airstrikes continue. While Israel aims to dismantle Hezbollah’s military capabilities, the U.S. is urging both sides to avoid further escalation.
The Biden administration has proposed a temporary 21-day ceasefire to prevent a broader conflict. Along with other world leaders, Biden has advocated for diplomacy to bring about a peaceful resolution, allowing displaced civilians to return to their homes.
John Kirby, the White House’s national security spokesman, expressed concerns about the situation. While acknowledging the effectiveness of Israeli strikes, which have dismantled much of Hezbollah’s leadership, Kirby warned that Hezbollah would attempt to rebuild its forces quickly.
“We’re watching closely to see how they recover and fill this leadership vacuum,” Kirby said, adding that eliminating Hezbollah leaders has made the region temporarily safer.
Despite the ongoing strikes, Biden’s administration remains firm in its stance that diplomacy is the best way forward. During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Kirby reiterated that a diplomatic solution would be key to achieving long-term safety and stability for civilians on both sides of the conflict.
As the Biden administration seeks to mediate, the fate of the region rests on whether Israel and Hezbollah will agree to the ceasefire proposal and avoid further bloodshed.
