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The White House on Wednesday said it’s engaged in “intense diplomacy” to avoid a wider conflict in the Middle East as Iran proxies exchange hostilities with Israel.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the U.S. doesn’t want to see an all-out war in the region, and neither do other nations.
“We’re engaged in some pretty intense diplomacy to prevent an escalation in the region,” Mr. Kirby said. “It’s not just us. Many of our allies and partners are likewise involved; let’s see where that takes us.”
At the same time, he said, the U.S. is preparing to defend Israel in case of an attack.
Hamas launched deadly raids on southern Israel on Oct. 7, leading to an aggressive military reprisal by Israel on Hamas-controlled Gaza.
Tensions have spiraled, including between Israel and Lebanese militants, triggering fears Tehran will take a bigger role in the violence.
Recent assassinations of leaders of Hezbollah, a Lebanese terrorist group, and Hamas, a Palestinian group, have raised tensions. Israel and its allies are bracing for Iran-backed reprisals over the killings.
Already, Hezbollah has unleashed drone attacks into northern Israel.
President Biden has been walking a fine line, repeating U.S. support for Israel while encouraging it to de-escalate tensions.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is hoping for a cease-fire deal that releases the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza.
“We are as close as we think we have ever been,” Mr. Kirby said.
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