Title: Biden Urges Netanyahu to Halt Pre-Emptive Strike on Hezbollah, Wall Street Journal Reports
On October 11, US President Joe Biden reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from launching a pre-emptive strike against Hezbollah in Lebanon, in the midst of escalating tensions following a Hamas attack on October 7. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the two leaders engaged in a 45-minute conversation, during which Biden cautioned Netanyahu about the potential consequences of such a strike, warning that it could spark a wider regional conflict.
The Wall Street Journal further revealed that Israel had intelligence suggesting that Hezbollah terrorists were planning to invade Israel as part of their attack, although the US deemed this information to be unreliable. Israeli fighter jets were said to be positioned in the air, awaiting orders, at the time of the conversation between Biden and Netanyahu.
However, Netanyahu’s office swiftly denied the accuracy of the Wall Street Journal report, stating, “The report is not true. The prime minister decided on the first day of the war to act for victory in the south while deterring an attack in the north.”
The news comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, with the situation remaining precarious as both Israel and its adversaries navigate a delicate balance of military preparedness and diplomatic negotiations. The reported exchange between Biden and Netanyahu sheds light on the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, as world leaders attempt to mitigate the risk of further escalation in the volatile Middle East.
The developments have sparked widespread interest and concern, drawing attention from both local and international observers. As the situation continues to evolve, the global community awaits further updates on the ongoing conflict and the efforts to manage and resolve the crisis.