Washington, D.C. — In a significant development in Middle Eastern geopolitics, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his support for the recent killing of Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah, referring to it as “a measure of justice for his many victims.” The president’s statement comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and various Iranian-backed militant groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas.* On Saturday, President Biden emphasized the long history of violence attributed to Nasrallah and his organization, noting that Hezbollah was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans during its four-decade reign of terror.
The airstrike that resulted in Nasrallah’s death occurred in the context of ongoing conflict that escalated dramatically after the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. The attack left over 1,100 people dead, including 695 Israeli civilians and 373 security personnel. In the aftermath of the attack, Nasrallah’s decision to ally Hezbollah with Hamas and open a “northern front” against Israel marked a pivotal moment in the conflict. Biden reiterated the U.S.’s unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and other groups supported by Iran.
Amid these escalating tensions, the U.S. and its allies have called for a 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, aimed at halting the ongoing missile exchanges and reopening stalled negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
He concluded with a call for the timely resolution of these agreements to ensure the safety of the region and greater stability in the Middle East. As the situation continues to unfold, the ramifications of Nasrallah’s death and the ongoing conflicts remain a focal point for U.S. foreign policy in the region.