Biden says Hezbollah leader’s killing a ‘measure of justice’

The time for ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon has arrived, the United States stated on Saturday, while simultaneously clearly endorsing Israel’s bombing campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which included a hit that killed the organization’s longstanding commander.

President Joe Biden referred to Hassan Nasrallah’s death as “a measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians.” Nasrallah was the head of the Hezbollah.

In a statement released the day following Nasrallah’s death from an Israeli airstrike on a suburb in southern Beirut, US President Joe Biden reaffirmed US support for “Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas, the Huthis, and any other Iranian-supported terrorist groups.”

Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running for president in November, called Nasrallah “a terrorist with American blood on his hands.”

The strong support from Washington, Israel’s top ally, came as Russia, several European countries and the United Nations warned of the killing’s potential repercussions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was “gravely concerned by the dramatic escalation of events in Beirut in the last 24 hours,” spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

“This cycle of violence must stop now, and all sides must step back from the brink. The people of Lebanon, the people of Israel, as well as the wider region, cannot afford an all-out war.”

In his statement, Biden underscored the need for a diplomatic solution.

“Ultimately, our aim is to de-escalate the ongoing conflicts in both Gaza and Lebanon through diplomatic means,” he said, mentioning a ceasefire proposal in Gaza and negotiations on allowing the safe return of residents to 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,” he said.

Speaking to reporters after leaving church on Saturday, Biden said “it’s time for a ceasefire” after one asked whether an Israeli ground invasion was inevitable.