WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Tensions across the Middle East only continue to escalate after Israeli strikes killed much of Hezbollah’s top command in Lebanon.

Israel is now conducting ground raids against the terror group as the U.S. urges both sides to accept a ceasefire plan.

When asked Monday if he was aware of and comfortable with a limited ground operation by Israel, President Joe Biden responded, “I’m more aware than you might know, and I’m comfortable with them stopping. We should have a ceasefire now.”

The U.S. is still urging calm in the Middle East as it also strengthens its own military presence in the region to try to deescalate the conflict.

“Diplomacy remains the best and only path to achieving greater stability in the Middle East,” said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The State Department said a U.S. and European proposal for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is still on the table.

“Allows citizens on both sides of the border to return to their homes,” Blinken said.

The tensions are only growing though after Israel killed Hezbollah’s leader and other top officials in airstrikes this weekend. Blinken said the world is safer without him.

“Hassan Nasrallah was a brutal terrorist,” he said. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains defiant that his country has a right to defend itself.

“There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach,” Netanyahu said. 

Netanyahu also spoke directly to the people of Iran.

“I know you don’t support the rapists and murderers of Hamas and Hezbollah, but your leaders do,” he said. “You deserve more.”