President Joe Biden stated on Saturday that the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike represents "a measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of American, Israeli, and Lebanese civilians."
"Hassan Nasrallah and the terrorist group he led, Hezbollah, were responsible for killing hundreds of Americans during a reign of terror spanning four decades," Biden said in a White House statement, reiterating Israel's right to self-defense.
The airstrike that killed Nasrallah in Lebanon occurred "within the broader context of the conflict that began with the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023. The day after, Nasrallah made the fateful decision to join forces with Hamas and open what he called a 'northern front' against Israel," Biden added.
"Hassan Nasrallah and the terrorist group he led, Hezbollah, were responsible for killing hundreds of Americans during a reign of terror spanning four decades," Biden said in a White House statement, reiterating Israel's right to self-defense.
The airstrike that killed Nasrallah in Lebanon occurred "within the broader context of the conflict that began with the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023. The day after, Nasrallah made the fateful decision to join forces with Hamas and open what he called a 'northern front' against Israel," Biden added.
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"America fully supports Israel's right to defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and any other terrorist group backed by Iran," he affirmed.
"America fully supports Israel's right to defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and any other terrorist group backed by Iran," he affirmed.
Enhanced Defense Measures in the Middle East
Biden noted that he directed his Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, to "enhance the defensive posture of U.S. military forces in the Middle East to deter aggression and reduce the risk of a broader regional war."
The President emphasized his goal of de-escalating conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon "through diplomatic means," highlighting efforts to provide relief in both areas, which have been a focus of the UN General Assembly's agenda.
"In Gaza, we have been pursuing a UN Security Council-backed agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. In Lebanon, we have been negotiating an agreement to allow people to return safely to their homes in Israel and southern Lebanon," Biden stated.
He concluded by expressing that "it’s time for these agreements to be finalized, for threats to Israel to be eliminated, and for the broader Middle East region to gain greater stability."