Biden warns of 'all-out war' as escalating violence in Lebanon triggers global call for ceasefire

On September 25, Hezbollah fired a long-range missile at Tel Aviv, prompting Israel to respond with airstrikes on mountainous areas north of Beirut for the first time during the ongoing conflict.

As Israeli forces continued with intense bombing at Hezbollah positions inside Lebanon, US President Joe Biden has warned of a looming threat of an “all-out war” in the Middle East, although he expressed cautious optimism about finding a path to de-escalation. Speaking in an interview on ABC’s The View, Biden’s remarks followed several days of intensifying clashes between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths and heightened fears of a wider conflict.

On September 25, Hezbollah fired a long-range missile at Tel Aviv, prompting Israel to respond with airstrikes on mountainous areas north of Beirut for the first time during the ongoing conflict.

Health authorities reported that the death toll from three days of Israeli airstrikes has surpassed 600, with thousands more injured. The United Nations has stated that over 90,000 people have been displaced since Monday alone, adding to more than 200,000 who had already fled southern Lebanon over the past year due to ongoing violence between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.

The Israeli military has advised its soldiers to prepare for a potential ground invasion of Lebanon, following claims from Hezbollah of its largest strike on Israel yet in retaliation for airstrikes that killed over 550 people in Lebanon earlier in the week.

Here are the 10 key developments:

1. Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi warned troops of “punishing” airstrikes aimed at preparing for a possible ground entry into Lebanon while vowing a strong response to Hezbollah's expanding range of fire.

2. While the Israeli military and the US had previously indicated no plans for a ground invasion of Lebanon, recent comments suggest a shift in that stance.

3. The US informed the UN Security Council that it is collaborating with partners on a temporary ceasefire plan to reduce tensions and allow civilians to return to their homes.

4. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised the need for both sides to step back from potential all-out war, labeling such an escalation as “disastrous” for the region.

5. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that France is working with the U.S. on a 21-day ceasefire proposal aimed at facilitating negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah.

6. Barrot stated details of the ceasefire proposal would be revealed soon, and he plans to visit Beirut by the end of the week, urging both parties to accept it swiftly to protect civilians and enable diplomatic discussions.

7. Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, expressed the country’s openness to diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and avoid a full-scale war.

8. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on the UN Security Council to act urgently to ensure Israel's withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories amid ongoing violations.

9. President Biden reiterated the possibility of an “all-out” war if the situation in Lebanon is not addressed, suggesting that a ceasefire there could lead to broader negotiations involving the West Bank and Gaza.

10. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, warning that “hell is breaking loose” as more than 90,000 Lebanese have been displaced due to the recent airstrikes.