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 Hezbollah’s demands for a ceasefire agreement?
## Interview with Analyst on Hezbollah Threats
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is [Guest Name], an analyst specializing in Middle Eastern affairs. Recent events have brought tensions between Israel and Hezbollah to a boiling point. [Guest Name], can you shed light on the current situation?
**Guest:** Certainly. The situation is indeed volatile. Following recent Israeli airstrikes in Beirut that resulted in casualties, including Hezbollah spokesperson Mohammed Afif, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem issued a chilling warning, threatening attacks on “downtown Tel Aviv.” This escalation comes amidst Hezbollah’s rejection of any ceasefire agreement that compromises Lebanon’s sovereignty, as stated by Qassem [[1](https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20241124-live-hezbollah-claims-missile-drone-attacks-on-naval-base-in-south-israel-tel-aviv)].
**Host:** So, Hezbollah is demanding a complete cessation of Israeli aggression and maintaining Lebanese sovereignty as a prerequisite for any truce.
**Guest:** Exactly. Qassem emphasized that Israel cannot dictate terms or maintain its “freedom of action” within Lebanese territory, directly countering statements made by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar [[1](https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20241124-live-hezbollah-claims-missile-drone-attacks-on-naval-base-in-south-israel-tel-aviv)]. This sets the stage for a potentially dangerous standoff.
**Host:** Given Hezbollah’s declared intentions and the current geopolitical climate, what are the potential consequences of this escalation?
**Guest:** The ramifications are deeply concerning. Hezbollah’s threats against Tel Aviv signal a willingness to target Israeli civilian centers, which could significantly escalate the conflict. Such an attack could prompt a harsh Israeli response, further escalating the violence. This cycle could have devastating consequences for both countries and the wider region.
**Host:** This is indeed a precarious situation. Thank you for providing your insightful analysis, [Guest Name].
