Naim Kassem, the newly named leader of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, made his first public comments, stating that the organization will continue to fight in its ongoing war with Israel until acceptable ceasefire terms are offered. Kassem emphasized that Hezbollah will not beg for a ceasefire and will continue to fight “no matter how long it takes” unless Israel agrees to terms that the group deems suitable. This stance comes as international mediators have launched a new push for negotiated ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza.
Kassem’s remarks were made in a pre-recorded televised address from an undisclosed location, where he also acknowledged that the group has suffered losses in recent weeks, including the death of its former leader Hassan Nasrallah and other high-ranking officials. However, he asserted that Hezbollah has been able to reorganize its ranks within eight days of Nasrallah’s death and that the group’s capabilities are still compatible with a long war.
Naim Kassem (Image via Getty)
Kassem pointed to the ongoing Israeli ground invasion of southern Lebanon and the steady stream of Israeli soldiers wounded and killed in the conflict. He also referred to a drone launched by Hezbollah that hit the home of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this month, although Netanyahu was not harmed. The Hezbollah leader stated that the group has been coordinating with Lebanese Parliament speaker Nabih Berri and that no proposals have been put forward that are acceptable for negotiations.
The Israeli army responded to Kassem’s comments by issuing an evacuation warning for residents in the eastern Lebanese city of Baalbek, including the ancient Roman temple complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The warning also included surrounding areas and key routes in the Bekaa Valley. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes pounded the city of Baalbek as Kassem was speaking.
Hezbollah’s stance has been met with no immediate response from Israel, although the conflict has resulted in significant human toll, with over 2,790 people killed and 12,700 wounded in Lebanon since October 8. The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the escalating situation, and international mediators are working to facilitate a negotiated ceasefire.
