Biden urges avoidance of wider Middle East war as Israeli strikes intensify

U.S. President Joe Biden stressed the need to prevent a broader regional conflict in the Middle East as Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon killed dozens on Sunday. “It has to be,” Biden told reporters as he boarded Air Force One. “We really have to avoid it.”

Biden did not specify when he would next speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His comments come as the Israeli military continues its campaign in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed forces.

Israeli strikes have resulted in heavy casualties and are part of a wider effort to dismantle Hezbollah’s command structure. One of the key figures killed in these strikes is Hezbollah’s overall leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

Death of Hezbollah leader viewed as major blow

The White House views Nasrallah’s death as a significant setback for the Hezbollah militant group. However, while the U.S. sees the elimination of Nasrallah as weakening Hezbollah’s influence, the Biden administration remains cautious about further escalation, as the war between Israel and Hamas risks igniting a larger regional conflict.

Both Hezbollah and Hamas receive support from Iran.