U.S. President Joe Biden hailed the Israeli strike that killed Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, as a “measure of justice” for victims of decades of terror. Nasrallah was confirmed dead after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Biden stated that the operation was part of a broader conflict sparked by Hamas’ attack on Israel, which led Nasrallah to form a “northern front” against Israel.
The White House sees Nasrallah’s death as a significant blow to Hezbollah but aims to prevent a wider regional conflict. The confirmation of his death came amidst efforts to negotiate a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the U.S. of complicity in the killing.
The State Department ordered the departure of U.S. diplomats’ families from Beirut due to the volatile security situation. Biden called for calm and urged cease-fires in Gaza and between Israel and Hezbollah. He directed the Pentagon to assess the U.S. force posture in the region to ensure deterrence and support U.S. objectives.