Biden says ‘all-out war is possible’ without ceasefire, any deal should include release of all Israeli hostages in Gaza

Iran warns it will not ‘remain indifferent to war in Lebanon’

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U.S. President Joe Biden appeared on ABC’s “The View” on Wednesday, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president has appeared on the daytime talk show.

During his interview, Biden was asked about the likelihood of “an all-out war,” whether he believes a ceasefire is “still within reach,” and if he would require the release of all living hostages to be part of a ceasefire agreement.

In response, Biden appeared to indicate that he would ask for all Israeli hostages as part of an exchange for Palestinian terror prisoners, saying, “Part of the ceasefire would be the exchange of those hostages.”

The president did not rule out the possibility of war but said the United States is working to prevent that.

“An all-out war is possible,” Biden said, “but I think there’s also the opportunity still in play to have a settlement that could fundamentally change the whole region.”

The U.S. president continued: “One of the things that I found is the Arab world very much wants to have a settlement because they know what it does for them. They’re willing to make arrangements with Israel and alliances with Israel if Israel changes some policies.”

Biden also continued to tout his support for Israel, saying, “I’ve known Bibi Netanyahu for a long time, and I’m a very strong supporter of Israel. I make no bones about it.”

Shortly after the interview, the White House released a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron, calling for a 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

However, shortly before departing for the U.S., Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel would not stop targeting Hezbollah sites until it could safely return its residents to the evacuated northern communities.

“I can promise you one thing – we will not rest until they return home,” Netanyahu affirmed.

In a press briefing at the United Nations on Tuesday, Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon said: “We will do whatever necessary to bring the residents back to the North. If nothing will help, then the goal of any operation is to achieve peace.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who is currently in New York for the UN General Assembly (UNGA) warned that Tehran would not remain indifferent in case of war in Lebanon, underscoring that the region is on the brink of a catastrophe.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Araghchi said Israel had crossed "all red lines" and called on the UN Security Council to intervene to restore peace and stability.

On Tuesday night, he posted a message of support for Hezbollah on his 𝕏 account.

“Do not ever underestimate Hezbollah's ability to defend Lebanon against any aggression.”