Following Hezbollah’s announcement of the death of its leader Hassan Nasrallah, declarations multiplied around the world.
Israel
The Israeli military said on Saturday that the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, one of its “greatest enemies,” made the world safer, but that the group’s remaining senior members would still be targeted.
“Nasrallah was one of the greatest enemies of the state of Israel of all time… His elimination makes the world a safer place,” military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a televised briefing.
“The elimination of arch-terrorist Nasrallah is one of the most justified counter-terrorism actions Israel has ever taken,” Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a post on X, adding that the Lebanese militant leader “deserved to be taken down, and it’s a good thing he was”.
USA
US President Joe Biden called the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah “a measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis and Lebanese civilians.”
In a statement, Biden reiterated US support for “Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and any other Iranian-supported terrorist groups,” and said he had directed the defense secretary to “further enhance the defense posture of US military forces” in the region.
“Path to continue”
Iran says Hezbollah leader’s “path to continue” despite his killing, and Hamas condemns Nasrallah’s killing as a “cowardly terrorist act.”
Iran VP says Hezbollah chief’s killing will lead to Israel’s ‘destruction’. Iran’s Supreme Leader has declared five days of mourning.
In Yemen, Houthis say Nasrallah killing to ‘increase strength of resolve’.
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas offered condolences to Hezbollah, a statement from his office said.
Abbas also “offered his deep condolences to the Lebanese government and the brotherly Lebanese people, on the martyrdom of the civilian victims who fell as a result of the brutal Israeli aggression,” the statement said.
Syria
Hezbollah ally Syria on Saturday condemned Israel’s killing of Hassan Nasrallah.
“The Zionist entity (Israel) confirms through this despicable aggression, once again… its barbarism and wanton disregard for all international standards and laws,” said a foreign ministry statement carried by state news agency SANA.
Iraq
Iraq PM says Israel crossed “all red lines” with Nasrallah killing and announces three days of mourning in the country.
Turkey
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Israel was committing a “genocide” in Lebanon after Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was confirmed among hundreds killed in Israeli strikes this week.
Russia
Russia strongly condemned Israel for killing the Hezbollah chief and urged it to immediately cease military action in Lebanon.
“We decisively condemn the latest political murder carried out by Israel,” the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement, adding: “we once again insistently urge Israel to immediately cease military action.”
Germany
The German government said Saturday that the killing of long-time Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah could have negative repercussions for Israel’s own security.
In an interview to German TV channel ARD, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the “highly dangerous” situation after Nasrallah’s death “threatens destabilization for the whole of Lebanon”, adding: “That is in no way in Israel’s security interest.”
UN
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “gravely concerned” by the “dramatic escalation” seen in Lebanon.
