Sat Sep 28 22:36:25 UTC 2024: ## Biden Hails Hezbollah Leader Nasrallah’s Death as ‘Justice’ Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict

**New York, October 14, 2023** – President Joe Biden on Saturday hailed the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike as a measure of justice for victims of the group’s decades-long reign of terror. The White House, however, stressed its lack of prior knowledge of the operation.

Nasrallah, one of Hezbollah’s founders, was killed in Beirut on Friday, according to the group. Biden described the strike as a response to Nasrallah’s decision to join forces with Hamas and open a “northern front” against Israel after Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7th.

Biden emphasized Hezbollah’s responsibility for the deaths of thousands of Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese, citing past attacks like the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Embassy and barracks in Beirut and the kidnapping of the CIA station chief. The U.S. also accused Hezbollah of arming and training militias that targeted U.S. forces in Iraq.

The White House sees Nasrallah’s death as a significant blow to Hezbollah. However, the administration expressed caution amidst escalating tensions, seeking to prevent a broader regional conflict.

Vice President Kamala Harris echoed Biden’s calls for justice, emphasizing the need for diplomacy to achieve lasting stability in the region.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a defiant speech to the United Nations on Friday, vowed to continue operations against Hezbollah until displaced Israelis could return home. The Israeli strike occurred shortly after his speech.

Biden reiterated his call for ceasefires in both Gaza and between Israel and Hezbollah. He emphasized the need to remove threats against Israel and achieve greater stability in the Middle East.

Iran, Hezbollah’s main backer, accused the United States of supporting the strike. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed that the order for the attack came from New York and that the U.S. cannot evade its complicity with Israel.

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