President Biden has said on ABC that an all out war is possible
U.S. President Joe Biden stated on Wednesday that while an all-out war in the Middle East is possible, there is also a chance for a settlement in Israel's conflicts with Gaza and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group in Lebanon. Speaking on ABC's "The View," Biden acknowledged the risks of escalation but emphasized the potential for a resolution that could transform the region.
"An all-out war is possible, but I think there's also the opportunity for a settlement that can fundamentally change the whole region," Biden said. His comments come amid heightened tensions during U.N. General Assembly meetings in New York, as Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza nears a year and now threatens to spread to Lebanon.
On Wednesday, Israel expanded its airstrikes in Lebanon and intercepted a missile launched by Hezbollah, which claimed it was targeting Israel’s Mossad spy agency near Tel Aviv.
As a longtime ally of Israel, Biden has been a strong advocate for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He acknowledged disagreements with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the matter, stating, "I don't agree with his position. There needs to be a two-state solution. It needs to happen."
Biden expressed hope that after ceasefires are established with Hezbollah and in Gaza, efforts can shift toward resolving issues in the West Bank. "It's possible, and I'm using every bit of energy I have to get this done. There's a desire to see change," he added.