Biden Calls for Violence to Stop, Israel Ready to Attack Lebanese Land

Israeli tanks on the Lebanese border. (Al Jazeera)

United States President Joe Biden on Monday (30/9) called for violence to stop. Even though Israel is preparing to launch limited ground operations in Lebanon amid fears that war in the region will spread.

When asked by reporters if he knew and felt comfortable that Israel was starting a military operation, Biden said, “I know more and I feel comfortable if the operation stops. Now there has to be a ceasefire.”

The president said he was on the phone for two hours on Saturday and Sunday to discuss the situation. He said this after telling reporters on Sunday that he would speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later in the day.

Also read: Israel immediately invades Lebanon after brutal air attacks

Biden said he had a two-hour telephone conversation on Saturday (28/9) and Sunday (29/9) to discuss the situation. Earlier on Sunday, he told reporters he would speak with Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu later that day.

After the president made a brief statement, his spokeswoman, Karine Jean-Pierre, said US support for Israel’s security was very strong. “They (Israel) are in a difficult environment and they must have the ability to defend themselves. That’s what we support. That’s what we believe. That’s what we’ve said,” said Jean-Pierre.

He said the US would discuss with Israel the best way to move forward and added that he would not comment on diplomatic talks. “At the same time, we want to defuse tensions,” he said.

The US State Department previously said Israel had informed the US that it was currently conducting limited operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. (Ant/Z-2)