US President Joe Biden said Wednesday that fighting between Israel and Hezbollah threatens to become an “all-out war” as diplomats worked behind the scenes to fashion a temporary ceasefire to halt the escalating conflict. An Israeli official said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had given the “green light” to pursue a possible deal, but only if it includes the return of Israeli civilians to their homes. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing behind-the-scenes diplomacy.
However, Israeli officials were deeply pessimistic that efforts for a temporary halt to fighting in Lebanon to facilitate ceasefire talks would work and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said the military was preparing for a ground offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, telling a group of soldiers that their “military boots will enter enemy territory.
” The military also announced the call-up of two further reserve brigades to bolster the northern front. “An all-out war is possible, but I think there’s also the opportunity – we’re still in play to have a settlement that can fundamentally change the whole region,” Biden said in an appearance on ABC’s “The View.” Biden suggested that getting Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire could help achieve a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
“It’s possible and I’m using every bit of energy I have with my team ...
to get this done,” he said. “There’s a desire.