Biden calls Nasrallah’s death just, affirms US support for Israel

President Joe Biden characterized the Israeli airstrike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut as “a measure of justice,” reaffirming U.S. support for Israel against Hezbollah.

In his statement, Biden highlighted Nasrallah’s long history of violence, stating that he and Hezbollah were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans over a span of four decades.

“His death from an Israeli airstrike is a measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians,” Biden remarked.

Biden noted that the strike on Nasrallah occurred within the context of ongoing conflict that escalated after Hamas’s attacks on Israel on October 7. He criticized Nasrallah’s decision to ally with Hamas and initiate a “northern front” against Israel.

‘US fully supports Israel,’ underlines Biden

Biden reiterated that the U.S. fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups.

He announced that he directed the Secretary of Defense to bolster U.S. military forces in the Middle East to deter aggression and minimize the risk of a broader regional war.

Biden expressed a commitment to de-escalating tensions in both Gaza and Lebanon through diplomatic efforts.

“In Gaza, we have been pursuing a deal backed by the U.N. Security Council for a cease-fire and the release of hostages. In Lebanon, we have been negotiating a deal that would ensure the safe return of people to their homes in Israel and southern Lebanon,” he stated.

He also emphasized the urgency of securing these deals to remove threats to Israel and foster greater stability in the broader Middle East.

Hezbollah confirmed the death of Nasrallah in a significant airstrike on a densely populated area of Beirut, amid ongoing Israeli air raids in Lebanon and Gaza, which have resulted in hundreds of casualties and significant displacement.