"We settled the score with the one responsible for the murder of countless Israelis and many citizens of other countries, including hundreds of Americans and dozens of French," he said in his first statement since Nasrallah's death on Friday.

Netanyahu said that as long as "terrorist" Nasrallah was alive, he could have "quickly restore the capabilities we had eroded from Hezbollah" in a series of recent operations.

"So, I gave the order -- and Nasrallah is no longer with us."

The Israeli premier said his country was on the cusp of "what appears to be a historic turning point" in the fight against its "enemies".

According to Netanyahu, who has faced growing criticism at home and abroad over his war policy after nearly a year of fighting in the Gaza Strip, the killing of the Hezbollah leader was essential for achieving Israel's goals.

Netanyahu said the Nasrallah's death could help achieve "the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes and the long-term alteration of the balance of power in the region".