In his first comment on the Israeli raid in Hazmieh, Mayor Jean Al-Asmar said: “We received all the displaced people, and they are our people, but after this incident we are forced to make decisions that were not taken into account and beyond our control,” noting that the targeting occurred in a very luxurious building. He added: "We will deal with the security services to resolve this matter." Al-Asmar continued: “I say to everyone that this incident changes the situation, and I regret that we will take strict measures. The people of Hazmieh do not be afraid, and we will not allow the incident to be repeated.” He pointed out that the target was one person inside his room, and we will take strict measures in cooperation with the security services, and endangering the security of the region is unacceptable. He confirmed that the target was residing in the apartment and had arrived there about an hour before the targeting occurred. He added: "The target's wife was at home and was not harmed, as were the civilians. The target alone was killed, and his identity does not matter to us as much as we care about the security of the region." He continued: "You are welcome, and it is not permissible for us to endanger the security of Hazmieh. We have taken all measures so that this incident will not be repeated again. Among them is that there be no people who might be targeted, and we are not about to deport the displaced."