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\"We stand with Israel,\" Biden made clear as he addressed the nation. \"And we will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself and respond to this attack.\"

Biden didn't mince words as he described the violence unfolding, describing \"Hamas' bloodthirstiness\" as reminiscent of ISIS rampages -- including \"stomach churning reports of babies being killed.\"

But while he said, \"Israel has the right to respond, indeed has a duty to respond to these vicious attacks,\" he also said he spoke with Netanyahu about how democracies like the U.S. and Israel \"are stronger and more secure when we act according to the rule of law.\" Terrorists, he said on Tuesday, target civilians while democracies \"uphold the laws of war.\"

Asked by ABC News White House Correspondent Karen Travers if Biden was giving a warning to Netanyahu as Israel signals it's moving to the next phase of its response, Sullivan bristled: \"It was not a warning.\"

\"It was two leaders talking to one another,\" Sullivan said. \"One who is leading a nation that has suffered an unfathomable attack and another nation who is standing behind them square in the defense of their country.\"

\"PHOTO:
Evan Vucci/AP
PHOTO: President Joe Biden speaks, Oct. 10, 2023, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, about the war between Israel and the militant Palestinian group Hamas, as Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken liste
>

White House national security spokesman John Kirby, during an appearance on ABC's \"Good Morning America\" earlier Tuesday, was asked if the U.S. would be willing to make a deal for any Americans who may be being held by Hamas. Kirby only said he \"didn't want to get too far ahead of where we are.\"

\"Clearly, the safety and security of Americans are a top priority for President Biden, we've seen that in the past,\" Kirby said. \"We'll continue to work on this hard and if there are Americans that are being held hostage we'll do everything possible to get them home to their families where they belong.\"

The administration is boosting munitions to Israel, and the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier was sent toward Israel -- a move a senior U.S. defense official said was intended to be a deterrent to Iran and Hezbollah.

Iran has denied involvement in the Hamas attacks on Israel, and the U.S. and Israel have also said they don't have hard evidence linking Iran to the incursion.

Kirby on GMA was pressed about the threat of a second front opening up in the conflict if Hezbollah -- also designated a terrorist group by the U.S. and other nations -- were to engage.

\"It remains unclear. Obviously, we are concerned about the possibility that now a northern front could be opened up if Hezbollah decides to get engaged,\" Kirby said. \"Now, there's been some exchange of rocket fire, George, but no signs that they're all in as it as it were. So, we're watching this very, very closely.\"

Biden didn't address any specific nation or group, though he had a warning against \"anyone thinking of taking advantage of this situation.\"

\"I have one word: don't. Don't. Our hearts may be broken, but our resolve is clear,\" the president said.

-ABC's Justin Gomez contributed to this report.

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