US President Joe Biden speaks to the press aboard Air Force One during a refueling stop at Ramstein Air Base on Oct. 18, 2023 as he returns from a visit to Israel. (Credit: Brendan Smialowski/AFP)
BEIRUT — American President Joe Biden on Wednesday refuted a report saying that the US would intervene militarily if Hezbollah were to initiate a war against Israel.
An article published in the Times of Israel said that Biden Administration officials recently indicated to Israel that, if Hezbollah initiates a war against Israel, the US military will aid the Israeli army in fighting the Lebanese armed group.
When asked about the report while onboard a plane after his visit with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden responded, "Not true, that was never said."
An ongoing war between Hamas and Israel erupted on Oct. 7, spilling over to southern Lebanon where limited exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces occur on a daily basis, leading to fears of an all-out war.
Hamas and Hezbollah are both backed by Iran, who warned of a multi-front war if Israel's attacks against Gaza persist.
Reflecting on the war in Gaza, Biden said: "If you have an opportunity to alleviate the pain you should do it, period. And if you don't, you are going to lose credibility worldwide."
Biden added that the US and Israel are determined to evacuate people from the Gaza Strip, without offering further details.
Many Palestinian Americans have been blocked in the Gaza Strip since the onset of the war.