|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
In his third public address as Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Qassem revealed that the group had reviewed a ceasefire proposal from the United States and submitted its response through Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.
Speaking on Wednesday, Qassem emphasized that the “ball is now in Israel’s court,” indicating that further action depends on Israel’s response to the mediation efforts.
In a pre-recorded speech, Qassem refrained from revealing Hezbollah’s position on the ceasefire publicly but outlined two core principles the group has insisted upon in the negotiations: a complete cessation of hostilities and the preservation of Lebanese sovereignty.
He strongly rejected the idea that Israel would be permitted to continue attacking Hezbollah positions in Lebanon after a ceasefire agreement is reached.
“Israel should not be allowed to breach Lebanon’s sovereignty,” Qassem stated, underlining Hezbollah’s commitment to safeguarding Lebanese territory.
The speech followed a statement earlier in the day by Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, who addressed 100 foreign ambassadors in Jerusalem. Sa’ar expressed Israel’s desire for a durable agreement with Hezbollah, but emphasized the country’s right to act if the truce is violated.
Despite diplomatic discussions, Qassem remained defiant in his rhetoric, warning that Hezbollah had the capability to continue waging a protracted war of attrition against the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
“We are willing to pay any price because the price will also rise for the enemy,” Qassem said, asserting that Hezbollah would retaliate against Israeli airstrikes on Beirut by targeting Tel Aviv.
He further added that any failure on Israel’s part to achieve its military objectives would be considered a victory for Hezbollah. The terrorist group has been engaged in near-daily border skirmishes since October 2023, following the eruption of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Hezbollah’s operations, often coordinated with other militant factions, have expanded to targeting central and northern Israeli cities, in addition to the regular border attacks. These escalations have resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
As of late September, Israel has intensified its airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, causing the deaths of numerous operatives, including former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in the strikes.
The IDF’s ground offensive in southern Lebanon, which began after these airstrikes, has also led to the deaths of 71 IDF soldiers and reservists. Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on northern Israel have resulted in the deaths of 44 Israeli civilians.
In the broader context of Lebanon’s internal political stalemate, Qassem said Hezbollah would work in cooperation with other political forces to contribute to the election of a new president by the Lebanese parliament once a ceasefire is achieved.
The election of a new president has been delayed for months due to political divisions, but Qassem’s comments signaled Hezbollah’s willingness to play a role in resolving the impasse, though only after the truce is solidified.
US Special Envoy Amos Hochstein, who is working to mediate the ceasefire talks, announced earlier on Wednesday that he would be traveling to Israel to continue his efforts, after making progress in his second meeting with Speaker Berri in Beirut.
It remains unclear whether Hochstein will meet with Israeli officials immediately, but reports suggest a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled for Thursday morning.
As the conflict enters its second year, the international community remains on edge, watching closely for any signs of a durable peace agreement amid the ongoing violence.