President Biden said Sunday that he intends to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu soon, just before the Israeli-Hamas war in Lebanon escalates.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes on the Lebanese capital Beirut on Sunday night, marking the first time the Israeli military has carried out airstrikes on a city center during the year-long Israeli-Hamas war.
Biden confirmed to reporters from Dover Air Force Base that afternoon that he planned to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The conversation took place hours before the airstrikes began.
“Yes, I will talk to him,” the Democrat said. “And tell me what I say to him when I talk to him.”
Israeli military says Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Beirut attack
As Israel's Hezbollah attacks intensified on Sunday, President Biden said he would speak to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Getty Images | Associated Press)
Asked about avoiding “all-out war” in the Middle East, Biden said the United States “must avoid all-out war.”
“We really need to avoid that,” Biden said. “We are already taking precautions for embassies and staff who wish to return home.”
“And, but we are not there yet, but we are working desperately with the French and many others to get around it.” [more] war. “
The Associated Press first reported the airstrike Sunday night, citing witnesses in central Beirut. The airstrikes came on the same weekend that the Israel Defense Forces systematically targeted the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah, which backs Hamas.
Israel-Hezbollah war: Prime Minister Netanyahu 'didn't even respond' to US cease-fire agreement, vows to fight 'with all our might'
A man walks on rubble at the site of an Israeli airstrike on the southern outskirts of Beirut on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Before Sunday's attack, the IDF had only targeted southern Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold. Dozens of people were killed by the Israel Defense Forces in Lebanon over the weekend, including Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
A man stands on the rubble of a building near the site of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
The Israeli military also confirmed that Hezbollah Central Council Vice-Chairman Nabil Kaouk was removed by the IDF.
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Fox News Digital has contacted the White House for further comment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
