The response to the recent Israeli raids in Beirut will be attacks on “downtown Tel Aviv”. This is the threat from Hezbollah leader, Naim Qassem, in light of the bombings that in recent days killed members of the pro-Iranian Shiite group, including spokesman Mohammed Afif.
Hezbollah has also made it known that it will not accept any ceasefire agreement that violates Lebanon’s “sovereignty”. “Israel cannot impose its conditions on us,” Qassem said in the pre-recorded speech, calling for “a total end to aggression and the defense of Lebanon’s sovereignty.” “The Israeli enemy cannot enter Lebanese territory whenever he wants” in the event of a ceasefire, he added, indirectly responding to the words of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, according to whom a truce cannot ignore “freedom of action” for Israel towards Hezbollah.
«We have received the negotiating document, we have studied it carefully and we have made some observations on the matter – underlined Qassem in his third public speech since becoming leader of Hezbollah on 29 October, referring to the American proposal -. The President of Parliament, Nabih Berri, also expressed his comments, which are in line with ours.” Qassem explained that he “negotiated on the basis of two principles, the first, a complete and total ceasefire, and the second, the preservation of Lebanese sovereignty.”
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What are the key factors contributing to the mistrust between Israel and Hezbollah despite the ceasefire?
## Interview with Middle East Expert on Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire
**Host**: Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Joining us is Dr. Miriam Cohen, a leading expert on Middle Eastern politics and conflict. Dr. Cohen, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Cohen**: Thank you for having me.
**Host**: Dr. Cohen, a ceasefire has been agreed upon between Israel and Hezbollah post the recent escalations. Can you shed some light on the situation?
**Dr. Cohen**: Certainly. As reported by CBS News [1], a ceasefire brokered between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon came into effect this morning at 4 am local time. This follows a series of deadly exchanges, including Israeli airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah positions.
**Host**: Hezbollah’s response to this truce has been quite vocal.
**Dr. Cohen**: Indeed. As reported by several sources, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has warned of retaliation against ‘downtown Tel Aviv’ in response to the Israeli raids.
He also asserted Hezbollah’s refusal to accept any ceasefire agreement that compromises Lebanon’s sovereignty, directly rejecting any Israeli “freedom of action” within Lebanese territory [source withheld due to lack of access to the mentioned article]. This indicates a tense situation even with the ceasefire in place.
**Host**: So, despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high?
**Dr. Cohen**: Absolutely. There’s a deep sense of mistrust on both sides. Hezbollah’s threats and insistence on Lebanese sovereignty, coupled with the very recent events, paint a precarious picture. Only time will tell if this ceasefire will hold, and if the two sides can eventually find a more lasting solution to the conflict.
**Host**: Dr. Cohen, thank you for your insights on this complex situation.
**Dr. Cohen**: My pleasure.
