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 potential long-term consequences of the conflict for the Lebanon-Israel relationship and the broader Middle East region?
## Interview with Guest Expert on the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show. We’re here to discuss the increasingly tense situation between Israel and Hezbollah. Recent Israeli actions in Beirut have sparked a fiery response from Hezbollah leader, Naim Qassem. Joining us today is [Guest Name], an expert on Middle Eastern affairs. [Guest Name], thanks for being here.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Let’s start with the recent statement from Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem. He threatened attacks on “downtown Tel Aviv” in response to Israeli airstrikes. How seriously should we take this threat?
**Guest:** This is definitely a concerning development and reflects Hezbollah’s stark anger and determination following the loss of key members, including their spokesman Mohammed Afif. They view these airstrikes as a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and are vowing a strong response. While they haven’t given specifics, a direct attack on Tel Aviv would be a significant escalation, and we should take this threat seriously.
**Interviewer:** Qassem also rejected any ceasefire agreement that restricts Hezbollah’s actions. He stated that Israel “cannot impose its conditions” on Lebanon. How does this stance complicate efforts to de-escalate the situation?
**Guest:** This makes achieving a lasting ceasefire incredibly difficult. Hezbollah’s insistence on maintaining their armed capabilities and freedom of action within Lebanon is a major sticking point. It directly clashes with Israel’s stated need for security measures to prevent attacks from Hezbollah. This fundamental disagreement on the terms of any truce will make finding a compromise extremely challenging.
**Interviewer:** The situation seems to hinge on competing interpretations of ”sovereignty.” How does Lebanon’s sovereignty factor into this conflict?
**Guest:** This is a central issue. Lebanon as a state has struggled to assert its sovereignty over all its territory, particularly in areas controlled by Hezbollah. Israel views Hezbollah as a direct threat and reserves the right to act against them, even within Lebanese territory. This clashes with Lebanon’s desire to maintain control over its own land and prevent foreign military actions within its borders. Finding a solution that respects both of these perspectives is crucial but incredibly complex.
**Interviewer:**
We’re shortly out of time, but looking ahead, what are the most serious immediate risks and potential long-term consequences of this conflict?
**Guest:**
The most immediate risk is a further escalation of violence. Hezbollah’s vow of retaliation, combined with Israel’s insistence on act- ing against them, creates a dangerous cycle. Long term, this conflict threatens to further destabilize the region, deepen the divide between Lebanon and Israel, and make achieving a lasting peace even more elusive. It also underscores the delicate balance of power in the region and the risks of proxy conflicts involving powerful regional actors.
**Interviewer:** [Guest Name], thank you for your insights. This is clearly a developing situation that we’ll need to continue to monitor closely.
**
Guest:** Thank you for having me.