Tel Aviv [Israel], September 29: The US believes Israel may soon send troops to Lebanon, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says killing the Hezbollah leader is one of his goals.
AFP news agency on September 29 quoted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu making his first statement after the attack in the Lebanese capital Beirut that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
"We have brought to account those responsible for the murder of countless Israelis and citizens of many other countries, including hundreds of Americans and dozens of French," he said in a statement released on September 28.
The leader was referring to the 1983 bombing in Beirut that killed 63 people at the US Embassy, in addition to 241 US Marines and 58 French paratroopers at their barracks.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said that "as long as Nasrallah is alive, he will quickly restore the capabilities that we have eroded from Hezbollah" through a series of recent operations.
"So I gave the order, and Nasrallah is no longer with us," he said, adding that Israel was on the side of "what seems to be a historic turning point in the fight against the enemy."
He said the September 27 raid that killed the Hezbollah leader was necessary to achieve his goals, including the safe return of civilians to northern Israel and a long-term change in the balance of power in the region.
He also vowed to help speed up the return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, with the chances increasing as Hamas sees that Hezbollah's support is no longer there.
"We are winning. We are determined to continue attacking the enemies, bringing our people home and bringing back the hostages," the leader said.
Meanwhile, CNN quoted US officials as saying that Israel has the ability to send troops to Lebanon in a limited way, as its forces move towards the northern border area.
However, they stressed that Israel appeared to have made no decision about advancing across the border.
The Lebanese Health Ministry said on September 28 that Israeli raids during the day had killed 33 people and injured 195. Lebanese officials said about 1 million people in the country had been forced to leave their homes due to Israeli raids since September 23.
Reaction of countries
According to AFP, the Israeli raid that killed Hezbollah leader has led to mixed reactions from countries, some of which fear the conflict will escalate further.
Iran calls for UN Security Council meeting after Hezbollah leader's death. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declares five days of national mourning.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "deeply concerned by the significant escalation of the situation in Beirut".
On the US side, President Joe Biden called Mr. Nasrallah's death "a measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis and Lebanese".
The White House boss declared support for Israel's right to self-defense against "Iran-backed terrorist groups" and that the defense posture of US forces in the region would be further strengthened.
US Vice President Kamala Harris also expressed support for "Israel's right to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthi."
The Russian Foreign Ministry said "we resolutely condemn the latest political assassination carried out by Israel", and called on Israel to "immediately stop its military action in Lebanon". It said Israel bears full responsibility for the tragic consequences that the killings could have in the region.
On the German side, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that the incident "threatens the stability of all of Lebanon" and that it is not in Israel's security interests.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he had spoken to Lebanese leaders and agreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire to end the bloodshed. "A diplomatic solution is the only way to restore security and stability for the Lebanese and Israeli people," he stressed.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot demanded that Israel "immediately cease its attacks in Lebanon" and opposed any ground operation in the country. France also called on other parties such as Hezbollah and Iran to avoid actions that would further destabilize and destroy the region.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
