President Joe Biden described the recent Israeli airstrike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah as a “measure of justice” for his long-standing role in violence and terror over four decades. The comments came after Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah’s death in an airstrike on Beirut that occurred on Friday.
In his statement, Biden emphasized that Nasrallah’s demise should be viewed in the context of escalating tensions following Hamas’ brutal attack on Israelis on October 7, 2023. “Nasrallah, the next day, made the fateful decision to join hands with Hamas and open what he called a ‘northern front’ against Israel,” he remarked.
Biden also pointed out that Hezbollah, under Nasrallah’s leadership, has been responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans. The White House perceives Nasrallah’s death as a significant setback for Hezbollah. However, the administration has been cautious in its approach, working to contain the conflict between Israel and Hamas—both of which receive backing from Iran—to prevent it from escalating into a wider regional war.
Following the strike, both the White House and the Pentagon quickly clarified that Israel did not provide any forewarning of the operation. This development comes during a week in which Biden’s top national security aides were engaging with global leaders at the U.N. General Assembly, seeking support for a 21-day cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah. They hoped such a measure might also aid efforts for a truce in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the U.N. on Friday, pledging to continue military operations against Hezbollah until thousands of Israeli citizens displaced by rocket fire can safely return home. His comments were made just before the strike that killed Nasrallah.
In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the U.S. of complicity in the strike, stating, “The world community will not forget that the order of the terrorist strike was issued from New York.”
The U.S. State Department reacted by ordering the departure of families of U.S. diplomats not stationed at the embassy in Beirut, while authorizing the departure of other embassy staff due to the “volatile and unpredictable security situation” in Lebanon. The department had previously advised American citizens to consider leaving Lebanon and reiterated warnings against travel to the country.
“Due to the increased volatility following airstrikes within Beirut, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to depart Lebanon while commercial options still remain available,” the statement read.