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 implications of Hezbollah’s refusal to accept a ceasefire that compromises Lebanese sovereignty for the broader Middle East peace process?
## Hezbollah’s Response to Israeli Raids
** HOST**: Joining us today is Dr. [Guest Name], a Middle East expert and professor at [University Name]. Dr. [Guest Name], Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem recently threatened attacks on “downtown Tel Aviv” in response to Israeli raids in Beirut. Can you shed some light on the situation?
**DR. [GUEST NAME]:** Certainly. Tensions have been escalating along the Israeli-Lebanese border since the start of the war in Gaza. Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for several attacks against Israeli positions, and Israel has retaliated with airstrikes in Lebanon, causing casualties among Hezbollah members, including their spokesperson Mohammed Afif.
**HOST:** Qassem also stated that Hezbollah won’t accept any ceasefire agreement that undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty. What does this mean in the context of the current conflict?
**DR. [GUEST NAME]:** This highlights Hezbollah’s deeply rooted opposition to any perceived Israeli encroachment on Lebanese territory. They are insistent on their right to self-defense and reject any agreement that would allow Israel to dictate terms or infringe on their sovereignty. This stance adds another layer of complexity to achieving a ceasefire, as it directly clashes with Israel’s stated desire for “freedom of action” against Hezbollah [[2](https://www.iltempo.it/attualita/2024/11/20/news/hebollah-attacco-tel-aviv- Schauspieler”]);
**HOST:** What are the potential consequences of this escalation between Hezbollah and Israel?
**DR. [GUEST NAME]:** This situation is extremely volatile and carries the risk of further widening the conflict. Open warfare between Israel and Lebanon could have devastating consequences for both countries and the wider region. It underscores the urgent need for international diplomacy and a commitment to de-escalation.
**HOST**: Thank you Dr. [Guest Name] for your insightful analysis.
