On Saturday, US President Joe Biden instructed Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to increase the US military presence in the Middle East, aiming to deter further aggression following the assassination of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah by Israel.
In his statement, Biden described Nasrallah’s killing as “justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians,” and noted that Hezbollah has been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans over the past four decades.
Biden reaffirmed the United States’ strong support for “Israel’s right to defend itself” against Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and other Iran-backed groups. He referenced the Axis of Resistance, which has pledged to defend Gaza amidst ongoing Israeli attacks since October 7.
The president also directed the Defence Secretary to enhance the US defence posture in the region to prevent the risk of a broader regional war, while emphasising that the US is committed to de-escalating the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon through diplomacy.
Biden connected Nasrallah’s death to the larger conflict that began with Hamas’s October 7 massacre, citing Hezbollah’s support for Palestinians in the ongoing Israeli-Gaza war, which has claimed over 42,000 lives, mostly women and children.
Earlier in the day, Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah’s death, mourning their leader and celebrating his legacy of nearly 30 years, which included the liberation of Lebanon in 2000 and support for Palestinians.
