U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed clear support for Israel’s recent airstrike that killed Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in Beirut, Lebanon, on Friday.
In a statement issued Saturday, September 28, President Biden referred to the killing of Nasrallah as “a measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians.”
He reiterated the U.S.’s strong backing for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas, and other Iranian-backed groups.
Biden emphasized that the airstrike came amid ongoing regional conflicts, stating, “Nasrallah made the fateful decision to join hands with Hamas and open what he called a ‘northern front’ against Israel.”
He noted that Hezbollah, under Nasrallah’s leadership, was responsible for numerous attacks, including the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut.
While endorsing Israel’s actions, Biden also called for restraint, urging ceasefires in both Gaza and Lebanon. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Biden said, “It’s time for a ceasefire,” and mentioned diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation and achieving greater stability in the region.
Vice President Kamala Harris echoed Biden’s stance, referring to Nasrallah as “a terrorist with American blood on his hands” in a statement released the same day.
“President Biden and I do not want to see conflict in the Middle East escalate into a broader regional war,” Harris added, emphasizing that “diplomacy remains the best path forward.”
Meanwhile, in Tehran, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed that Nasrallah’s death “will not go unavenged.” Khamenei announced five days of mourning for the fallen Hezbollah leader, describing him as “a martyr” and “a path and a school of thought” that would endure despite his death.
The killing of Nasrallah, who had led Hezbollah for over three decades, has triggered concerns of further escalation in the region.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced his alarm over the situation, stating that he was “gravely concerned by the dramatic escalation of events in Beirut.”
His spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, added, “This cycle of violence must stop now, and all sides must step back from the brink.”
Amid rising tensions, the U.S. State Department ordered the evacuation of nonessential staff and family members of diplomats in Beirut due to the “volatile and unpredictable security situation.”
The Pentagon has also been directed to enhance the U.S. military’s defense posture in the Middle East to deter further aggression.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held talks with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, affirming the U.S. commitment to prevent Iran and its proxies from exploiting the situation.
