Israel recently achieved justice for the families of American military and diplomatic personnel who were killed by Hezbollah, including in the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut. The targeted killings of senior Hezbollah leaders with American blood on their hands sparked criticism from top counter-terrorism experts, as the Biden administration and Democratic lawmakers initially showed lackluster enthusiasm for these actions. One such targeted killing was that of Ibrahim Aqil, who was wanted by the United States for his involvement in the bombings of the U.S. embassy and the Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983. Israel also eliminated Fuad Shukr, another Hezbollah leader involved in the Beirut bombings, earning praise and gratitude from former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for finally bringing a measure of justice to the families of the victims.
The reaction to Israel’s targeted killings from Democratic leaders raised questions about their support for counterterrorism efforts, especially when it comes to actions taken by Israel. The killings of terrorists like Aqil, who had American blood on their hands, were criticized by some Democratic officials, highlighting a potential gap in their policy approach. However, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and White House National Security Council communications adviser John Kirby acknowledged the significance of removing individuals like Aqil from the battlefield, considering their past actions and the potential threat they posed. The success of Israel’s operations in targeting Hezbollah leaders underscored the importance of aligning efforts against terrorism and recognizing the impact on American interests in the region.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney’s senior adviser, David Wurmser, emphasized the multi-faceted American interest in Israel’s actions against Hezbollah. He noted that while the U.S. had long ago abandoned efforts to bring these terrorists to justice, Israel’s swift elimination of key Hezbollah figures highlighted a disconnect between American rhetoric and reality. Wurmser criticized the Biden administration’s de-escalatory stance, which he argued equated a democratic ally like Israel with terrorists responsible for the deaths of American servicemen, diplomats, and intelligence officers. He highlighted the strategic importance of Israel as a powerful regional ally against forces of instability like Iran.
Experts in counterterrorism like Matthew Levitt and Lisa Daftari praised Israel’s recent operations against Hezbollah, emphasizing the historical significance of eliminating individuals like Aqil who played direct roles in past attacks against Americans. They noted the current implications of these strikes, as the targeted Hezbollah leaders were actively involved in shaping the organization’s activities in recent years. Daftari called for the Biden administration to openly commend and support Israel’s efforts in combating terrorism, suggesting that peace could be achieved by dismantling threats posed by groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. The resolve of Israel in confronting these threats was crucial for maintaining collective security and countering radical extremism.
Retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major Steve Aitken, who witnessed the aftermath of the Beirut bombings, expressed satisfaction at the news of Aqil’s death, calling it a form of justice for the victims. Similarly, Senator Tom Cotton commended Israel for taking down a vicious terrorist like Aqil, recognizing the impact of his actions on American lives. Aqil’s role in enabling atrocities in Syria under Bashar al-Assad’s regime further underscored the necessity of eliminating such individuals. The actions of Israel in targeting Hezbollah leaders reflected a commitment to combatting global terrorism and served the interests of nations opposed to radical extremism. The importance of continued support and recognition for Israel’s efforts in safeguarding security and peace in the region was highlighted by various experts and officials.
