White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated on Monday that concerns about an all-out war in the Middle East are “exaggerated,” with ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah following a deadly attack in the occupied Golan Heights.
“We’ve heard predictions of an all-out war multiple times over the past 10 months, and those forecasts were exaggerated then. Honestly, we believe they’re exaggerated now,” Kirby told reporters.
He emphasized that while Israel has “every right to respond” to Hezbollah, the goal is to avoid a broader conflict. “Nobody wants a wider war, and I’m confident we can prevent such an outcome,” Kirby added.
The US continues to engage in diplomatic discussions with both parties to de-escalate the situation and help Israeli and Lebanese families return to their homes. Despite ongoing border skirmishes since the Gaza conflict in October, and fears of a larger war exacerbated by Saturday’s attack in Majdal Shams that resulted in 12 deaths, Kirby noted that recent talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his team in Washington were “very constructive.”
Kirby also mentioned that discussions to close gaps in the Gaza cease-fire deal are ongoing with US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators. “Teams are working to close these gaps, and it’s important to allow them the necessary time and space to do so,” he said.
Regarding the US policy on the Golan Heights, which was recognized as Israeli territory by the Trump administration in 2019 but is still considered Syrian territory by many, Kirby affirmed, “Our policy on the Golan Heights has not changed under this administration.”
He also addressed the meeting between Vice President Kamala Harris and Netanyahu last week, clarifying that there was “no daylight” between President Joe Biden and Harris on their stance towards Israel. Kirby described the reporting of any differences between the President and Vice President as “unfortunate and inaccurate,” reaffirming their unified commitment to supporting Israel and advancing the cease-fire deal.
