Biden, Harris say Nasrallah’s assassination ‘measure of justice for many victims’, urge diplomacy

The President reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering support for its ally, stating it “fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, and any other Iranian-supported terrorist groups.”

Follow | Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah killed in Beirut, Israel says he ‘will no longer terrorise the world’

Ordering the Pentagon to enhance America’s defence posture in the region, Biden also said, “In Gaza, we have been pursuing a deal backed by the UN security council for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. In Lebanon, we have been negotiating a deal that would return people safely to their homes in Israel and southern Lebanon. It is time for these deals to close, for the threats to Israel to be removed, and for the broader Middle East region to gain greater stability.”

US Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris has also released a statement, calling Nasrallah a terrorist with “American blood on his hands.” Harris emphasised that Nasrallah’s leadership of Hezbollah had destabilised the Middle East for decades, resulting in the deaths of many innocent people in Lebanon, Israel, Syria, and around the globe. She added, “Today, Hezbollah’s victims have a measure of justice.”

Reaffirming her commitment to Israel’s security, Harris stated, “I will always support Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.”

While acknowledging the importance of Israel’s self-defense, Harris also stressed the need for diplomacy to prevent further escalation in the region. She highlighted the efforts of the Biden administration to pursue a diplomatic solution along the Israel-Lebanon border, stating that diplomacy remains the best way to protect civilians and achieve lasting stability.

Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah for over three decades, was killed by Israel in a series of strikes targeting the group’s underground headquarters in Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced his death on Saturday morning, with Hezbollah later confirming the news, stating that Nasrallah “had joined his fellow martyrs.” The group vowed to “continue the holy war against the enemy and in support of Palestine.” However, the statement did not specify who would succeed Nasrallah or how the group plans to respond to the assassination.