Hezbollah Declares Victory, Cites Enemy Withdrawal as Key Achievement
“We are meeting today in an atmosphere of divine victory,” Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said in a televised speech Friday, adding that the “victory” achieved is greater than the one in 2006. Qassem stated they had won because they prevented Hezbollah’s destruction, halted the effort to end the resistance, and forced the enemy to concede by agreeing to the terms laid out.
He further argued that one of the signs of Israel’s defeat was “the image of the return of our people and the absence of the settlers on the opposite side,” referring to Israeli evacuees who have not returned to their homes.
“Israel expected to achieve its goals in a short time after striking the command system and capabilities,” Qassem said, alluding to the September pager attack. “Hezbollah was able to stand firm on the frontlines and began targeting the enemy’s home front, which put the situation into a significant defensive position,” he continued.
Details of the Cease-Fire Agreement
Qassem also discussed the cease-fire arrangements in his speech, saying high-level coordination between the Lebanese army and Hezbollah would take place to implement the deal. “We approved the deal with our heads held high,” he added.
He stressed that the main point of the agreement was the withdrawal of the Israeli military from all parts of southern Lebanon below the Litani River.
“For those that bet that Hezbollah would be weakened, their bet has failed,” he said.
What are the potential consequences of an Israeli attack on Lebanon?
## Hezbollah Declares Victory: A Dangerous Escalation?
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**Host:** Welcome back to “Global Update.” Tensions in the Middle East are reaching a fever pitch after Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese militia, declared victory following Hamas’s attacks on Israel. Joining us tonight to discuss the potential ramifications of this declaration is Dr. Sarah Khalil, a leading expert on Middle Eastern politics and security. Dr. Khalil, thank you for being with us tonight.
**Dr. Khalil:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Hezbollah’s declaration is sending shockwaves around the world. What do you make of it?
**Dr. Khalil:** This is undoubtedly a dangerous escalation. Hezbollah is essentially aligning itself with Hamas and sending a clear message to Israel: they are prepared to become directly involved in the conflict.
**Host:** What could Hezbollah’s involvement mean for the region?
**Dr. Khalil:** It could lead to a wider war. Israel has long viewed Hezbollah as a major threat, and any attack from Hezbollah would likely trigger a powerful response. This could destabilize the entire region, potentially drawing in other actors like Iran.
**Host:** The NBC News interview with Hezbollah’s second-in-command Naim Qassem ([1](https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/hezbollah-leader-responds-to-potential-attack-from-israel-209302597532)) mentioned the possibility of an Israeli attack on Lebanon. How likely is this scenario, and what are the potential consequences?
**Dr. Khalil:** The possibility of an Israeli attack on Lebanon is real. Israel has a history of retaliating against Hezbollah, and if Hezbollah attacks Israel, a strong response is almost guaranteed. This would likely result in significant casualties and destruction in Lebanon, further fueling the conflict.
**Host:** What diplomatic solutions might be possible at this point?
**Dr. Khalil:** This is a very challenging situation. International pressure must be brought to bear on all sides to de-escalate tensions. The international community needs to work actively towards a ceasefire and a lasting political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
**Host:** Dr. Khalil, thank you for your insights on this crucial issue.
**Dr. Khalil:** Thank you for having me.
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