Joe Biden says killing Hezbollah leader in Israeli strike is a form of justice.
President Joe Biden hailed the Israeli strike that took out Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah as a significant step towards justice for his decades-long reign of terror. The Lebanese Hezbollah group confirmed Nasrallah’s death in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, marking a crucial moment in the ongoing conflict in the region.
In light of the escalating tensions, Biden emphasized that Nasrallah’s decision to align with Hamas and initiate a ‘northern front’ against Israel was a pivotal moment that led to the Israeli operation targeting him. He also highlighted Hezbollah’s responsibility for the deaths of numerous Americans under Nasrallah’s leadership.
The White House viewed Nasrallah’s demise as a major blow to the group, while also carefully navigating the delicate balance of containing Israel’s conflict with Hamas, both supported by Iran, to prevent a broader regional war.
Following the strike, the White House and Pentagon swiftly clarified that they had no prior knowledge of Israel’s operation. This development occurred amidst Biden’s efforts, alongside his top national security advisors, to gain support for a 21-day Israel-Hezbollah cease-fire during the U.N. General Assembly meetings.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s resolute stance at the United Nations, coupled with the ongoing operations against Hezbollah until displaced citizens can return home, set the stage for the strike that eliminated Nasrallah.
Biden reiterated his support for cease-fires in Gaza and between Israel and Hezbollah, emphasizing the need for stability in the broader Middle East region.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States of complicity in the strike that targeted Nasrallah, condemning the alleged involvement of U.S. support in the operation.
In response to the escalating conflicts, the U.S. State Department ordered the departure of families of non-embassy U.S. diplomats in Beirut, as well as the authorization for the departure of embassy employees and nonessential staff due to the volatile security situation in Lebanon’s capital.
With the increased volatility following the Israeli airstrikes in Beirut and the unpredictable security conditions throughout Lebanon, the State Department urged American citizens to leave the country while commercial options were still available.
While technically not an evacuation, an ordered departure mandates individuals to leave the country, while an authorized departure allows for voluntary exit at government expense, typical measures taken when security conditions deteriorate in a foreign posting.
As tensions remain high and the region grapples with the aftermath of Nasrallah’s death, the global community watches closely to see how the situation unfolds and the impact it will have on the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
