Sunday Snapshot: Washington wary of wider Middle East war

Tensions in the Middle East are escalating following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, with the Biden administration fearing a broader regional war. Senator Tom Cotton has dismissed the idea of a ceasefire, instead calling for the US to support Israel in driving Hezbollah out of Lebanon. Cotton's stance is at odds with the Biden administration and US allies, who are seeking to halt the fighting. A proposed 21-day ceasefire would allow for negotiations, but Cotton believes Israel should be allowed to finish off Hezbollah once and for all. Retired Army General Stanley McChrystal has cautioned against escalating violence, while National Security spokesman John Kirby has called for de-escalation efforts. Senator Lindsey Graham has suggested normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia as a possible solution. Meanwhile, several Republicans have been citing a new talking point about hundreds of thousands of migrants committing crimes while President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been in office. However, the data they are referencing has been fact-checked and found to be misleading, as it includes individuals serving prison sentences, not living freely. Former Senator Jeff Flake has become the latest GOP member to endorse Harris, citing his inability to support a candidate who tries to use the presidency to overturn an election.