Biden calls killing of Nasrallah a 'measure of justice' for victims

US President Joe Biden called Israel's killing of the leader of Lebanese Shiite Hezbollah militia, Hassan Nasrallah, a "measure of justice" for the victims of his four decades of terror, in a statement issued on Saturday.

"Hassan Nasrallah and the terrorist group he led, Hezbollah, were responsible for killing hundreds of Americans over a four-decade reign of terror," Biden said, a day after the deadly Israeli attack on the southern suburbs of Beirut.

"His death from an Israeli airstrike is a measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis and Lebanese civilians," the statement said.

Washington "fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and any other Iranian-supported terrorist groups," Biden said.

"Ultimately, our aim is to de-escalate the ongoing conflicts in both Gaza and Lebanon through diplomatic means.

"In Gaza, we have been pursuing a deal backed by the UN Security Council for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

"In Lebanon, we have been negotiating a deal that would return people safely to their homes in 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."