Biden Backs Deadly Strike: US President Declares Killing of Hezbollah Chief a ‘Justified’ Act
US President Joe Biden Supports Israel’s Attack on Hezbollah
US President Joe Biden has described Israel’s attack on Hezbollah’s alleged headquarters and the killing of terrorist leader Hassan Nasrallah as “a measure of justice”.
Background of the Attack
Nasrallah and Hezbollah are responsible for the murder of hundreds of Americans. The United States continued to “fully support” Israel’s right “to defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis and all other terrorist groups supported by Iran.”
US Defense Readiness
Biden directed US Defense Secretary Austin to improve the defense readiness of US troops in the region to reduce the risk of a major regional war.
International Reaction
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) expressed concern about the situation in the region after the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike in Israel. “There is a threat of destabilizing the whole of Lebanon, and that is in no way in the interest of Israel’s security,” said Baerbock.
Ceasefire Proposal
Baerbock noted that Germany, together with the USA, France and several Arab states, presented a proposal for an immediate three-week ceasefire on Thursday on the sidelines of the United Nations in New York. The aim was to prevent further deterioration.
Iranian Casualties
The Israeli attack on Hezbollah’s alleged headquarters has apparently suffered more than just Lebanese victims. As various pro-government Iranian Telegram channels report, Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan is said to have died in the attack on Friday night.
Iran’s Response
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei believes Lebanon’s Hezbollah is “invincible.” “The criminal Zionists (Israelis) should know that they are incapable of harming the stable structure of Hezbollah as the leader of the resistance front,” Khamenei said.
Security Measures
According to insiders, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was taken to a safe place after the attack. In addition, more security measures have been introduced, Reuters news agency learns from two local representatives who were briefed by the government in Tehran.