REHOBOTH BEACH, Del: President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the need for a ceasefire in the Middle East following the Israeli airstrike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut. Both leaders described Nasrallah’s death as a “measure of justice” for the victims of Hezbollah’s decades-long campaign of violence, which has targeted Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians.
Harris Seeks Diplomatic Solutions as Nasrallah’s Death Shakes Middle East
Shortly after the announcement of Nasrallah’s death, Harris reaffirmed the U.S. stance, stating, “Hassan Nasrallah was a terrorist with American blood on his hands. Across decades, his leadership of Hezbollah destabilized the Middle East and led to the killing of countless innocent people in Lebanon, Israel, Syria, and around the world. Today, Hezbollah’s victims have a measure of justice.
She further added, President Biden and I do not want to see conflict in the Middle East escalate into a broader regional war. Diplomacy remains the best path forward to protect civilians and achieve lasting stability in the region.” She echoed Biden’s view that Nasrallah’s killing was a significant blow to Hezbollah but warned against further escalation.
Blow to Hezbollah, but U.S. Treads Carefully
Biden, in his statement on Saturday, stressed that Nasrallah’s demise came in the larger context of Hezbollah’s involvement in the conflict that began after Hamas’ massacre of Israelis in October 2023. He reminded the world that it was Nasrallah’s decision to align with Hamas, declaring a “northern front” against Israel, which escalated tensions in the region.
While the U.S. has publicly supported Israel’s right to defend itself, the administration has been cautious in navigating the potential ripple effects of Hezbollah’s retaliation. Both Biden and Harris are aware that an all-out regional conflict could draw in other actors like Iran, which backs Hezbollah.
Israel Continues Operations Against Hezbollah
The airstrike, which took place in the heart of Beirut, is seen by Israel as a major victory in its ongoing campaign against Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , speaking at the U.N. General Assembly, vowed that Israel would continue its military operations until displaced citizens could safely return home.
Netanyahu’s speech came just hours before Israel launched the airstrike, targeting a building where Nasrallah was located. In his address, Netanyahu made it clear that Hezbollah’s aggression would not be tolerated, further inflaming an already volatile situation.
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