Biden says risk of Israel-Hezbollah war is "exaggerated"

The Biden administration thinks the scenario of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah is "exaggerated," White House spokesperson John Kirby said in a briefing with reporters on Monday.

The White House knows Israel is going to conduct a significant response against Hezbollah, but is trying to contain the situation as much as possible, U.S. officials said.

Kirby's comment suggests the administration is trying to tone down some of the public rhetoric around the situation on the Israeli-Lebanese border, while it quietly works behind the scenes to prevent a major escalation.

U.S. officials have been talking to their Israeli and Lebanese counterparts in an effort to prevent further escalation, Kirby said.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke on Monday with Gallant who told him Israel is "determined to restore security to Israel's northern border and to exacting a heavy price from Hezbollah," according to a statement from Gallant's office.