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.”
#hit #center #Tel #Aviv #truce #Tempo
What are Hezbollah’s main demands in the ceasefire negotiations with Israel?
## Interview with Middle East expert Dr. Sarah Jones
**Host:** Welcome back to the show, Dr. Jones. Tensions seem to be escalating between Israel and Hezbollah following Israeli raids in Beirut. What’s the latest development?
**Dr. Jones:** That’s right. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has made a serious threat, vowing to attack ”downtown Tel Aviv” in retaliation for the recent Israeli airstrikes that killed several Hezbollah members, including their spokesperson Mohammed Afif [[source not found]].
This threat comes amidst a breakdown of ceasefire negotiations. Hezbollah is refusing to accept any agreement that compromises Lebanon’s sovereignty, directly opposing the Israeli demand for “freedom of action” against Hezbollah within Lebanon [[source not found]]. They’re clearly stating that Israel cannot simply enter Lebanese territory whenever it pleases.
**Host:** That sounds incredibly dangerous. Is there a real risk of a wider conflict?
**Dr. Jones:** Absolutely. Both sides are digging in, and Hezbollah’s threat against Tel Aviv is a significant escalation. The situation is incredibly delicate, and a miscalculation by either side could easily trigger a much wider conflict.
**Host:** So what happens next? What could de-escalate this situation?
**Dr. Jones:** It’s hard to say for sure, but international pressure is crucial right now. The international community needs to step in and urge both sides to show restraint and return to the negotiating table. Finding a solution that addresses Hezbollah’s concerns about Lebanese sovereignty while also ensuring Israel’s security is essential.
This situation is a powder keg, and a peaceful resolution depends on both sides showing a willingness to compromise and on the international community acting swiftly and decisively.
