WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden on Saturday described the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah as “a measure of justice” for his victims, including American, Israeli, and Lebanese civilians.
Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli air strike in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Friday night.
In a statement, Biden reiterated the United States’ firm backing of Israel’s right to defend itself from Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.
“This is a measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians,” Biden said.
The US president also said that he had ordered the US military to enhance its defensive posture in the Middle East to deter further aggression and minimize the risk of a broader regional conflict.
“I have directed the defense secretary to further enhance the defense posture of US military forces in the Middle East region to deter aggression and reduce the risk of a broader regional war,” Biden added.
Following the air strike that killed Nasrallah, the US State Department ordered the departure of family members of American diplomats in Beirut, citing the volatile security situation. It also authorized the voluntary departure of non-essential embassy staff and advised US citizens to leave Lebanon while commercial flights are still available.
“The security situation in Beirut remains unpredictable and volatile,” the State Department said, urging all US citizens to depart.
Israeli military officials announced on Saturday that Nasrallah had died in the Israeli airstrike targeting Hezbollah’s headquarters in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Hezbollah officially confirmed his death later that day.
