In a critical moment of heightened tensions in the Middle East, United States President Joe Biden called for de-escalation amid Israel's large-scale bombing campaign in Lebanon. The conflict, primarily driven by Israeli military operations against Hezbollah forces, has claimed hundreds of lives in just a few days. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Biden emphasized that a "full-scale war" in Lebanon is not in anyone's interest and urged a diplomatic resolution.
The bombardment has already resulted in the deaths of at least 569 people in Lebanon, with many more wounded. Among the casualties, 50 children have been reported dead, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. The attack has also spurred more violence in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli forces have killed 37 Palestinians. Despite the severity of the conflict, Biden has maintained support for Israel, urging for a ceasefire that would ensure the release of Israeli captives from Gaza.
However, critics of Biden’s Middle East policy argue that his administration's unwavering backing of Israel, coupled with military aid, is fueling the escalation of the conflict. Marwan Bishara, a senior political analyst for Al Jazeera, pointed out that while Biden verbally opposes a regional war, the U.S. continues to arm and finance Israel. According to Bishara, “Netanyahu is leading the area to the brink, to a disaster, and the United States is protecting him, shielding him, financing him, and arming him.”
Biden’s speech left many Lebanese officials disheartened, including Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, who expressed his disappointment in Biden’s address at the UNGA. Bou Habib criticized the U.S. leader's comments as lacking strength and vision, further stating that Biden's stance would not bring resolution to Lebanon’s crisis.
This growing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah represents one of the most dangerous escalations in the region in years, with fears that continued violence could lead to a broader regional war. While Biden's administration calls for diplomacy, tangible progress in de-escalating the situation remains elusive.
The bombardment has already resulted in the deaths of at least 569 people in Lebanon, with many more wounded. Among the casualties, 50 children have been reported dead, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. The attack has also spurred more violence in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli forces have killed 37 Palestinians. Despite the severity of the conflict, Biden has maintained support for Israel, urging for a ceasefire that would ensure the release of Israeli captives from Gaza.
However, critics of Biden’s Middle East policy argue that his administration's unwavering backing of Israel, coupled with military aid, is fueling the escalation of the conflict. Marwan Bishara, a senior political analyst for Al Jazeera, pointed out that while Biden verbally opposes a regional war, the U.S. continues to arm and finance Israel. According to Bishara, “Netanyahu is leading the area to the brink, to a disaster, and the United States is protecting him, shielding him, financing him, and arming him.”
Biden’s speech left many Lebanese officials disheartened, including Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, who expressed his disappointment in Biden’s address at the UNGA. Bou Habib criticized the U.S. leader's comments as lacking strength and vision, further stating that Biden's stance would not bring resolution to Lebanon’s crisis.
This growing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah represents one of the most dangerous escalations in the region in years, with fears that continued violence could lead to a broader regional war. While Biden's administration calls for diplomacy, tangible progress in de-escalating the situation remains elusive.
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