Israel’s adversaries vowed retaliation on Saturday following Hezbollah’s announcement that their long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on a Beirut suburb. The event has raised concerns from multiple global powers, fearing further escalation in the Middle East.
Iran
First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref warned that Nasrallah’s death would lead to Israel’s “destruction,” as reported by the ISNA news agency. Iran’s foreign ministry emphasized that Nasrallah’s mission would continue, with spokesperson Nasser Kanani affirming that the goal of liberating Jerusalem will be achieved. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared five days of national mourning.
Russia
Russia’s foreign ministry condemned Nasrallah’s assassination, calling it a “political murder” by Israel and urging an immediate cessation of military actions in Lebanon. They further stressed that Israel must bear full responsibility for the potential fallout.
Germany
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed concern that Nasrallah’s death could destabilize Lebanon, which would harm Israel’s own security interests.
France
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot demanded that Israel halt its airstrikes in Lebanon and opposed any ground offensive. The French government also urged Hezbollah and Iran to refrain from any actions that could further inflame the region.
United Nations
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced deep concern over the escalating violence in Beirut.
Hamas
Palestinian militant group Hamas, whose October 7 attack on Israel sparked the ongoing Gaza conflict, condemned Nasrallah’s killing as a “cowardly terrorist act” and denounced the Israeli assault on residential areas.
Palestinian Authority
President Mahmoud Abbas extended his condolences to Lebanon, condemning the loss of both Nasrallah and innocent civilians during Israel’s military actions.
Houthi Rebels
Yemen’s Houthi militia vowed that Nasrallah’s death would fuel further resistance against Israel, pledging to continue their fight in his honor.
Turkey
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a vocal critic of Israel’s Gaza offensive, described Lebanon’s plight as “genocide” without specifically addressing Nasrallah’s death.
Cuba
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the assassination as a dangerous act that jeopardizes global peace and stability, holding Israel and the U.S. responsible.
Argentina
Argentine President Javier Milei endorsed a comment from a close advisor, who celebrated the killing as the elimination of a terrorist responsible for attacks on Argentina.
United States
President Joe Biden framed Nasrallah’s death as “justice” for the lives lost due to Hezbollah’s actions, reaffirming Washington’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Iranian-backed groups. Vice President Kamala Harris also condemned Nasrallah, attributing to him the deaths of American civilians.
