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 compromises could both Israel and Hezbollah make to reach a mutually acceptable ceasefire agreement given their conflicting positions on Lebanese sovereignty and Israel’s ”freedom of action”?
## Interview Excerpt: Hezbollah Threatens Tel Aviv Amidst Ceasefire Negotiations
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. We’re going to continue our coverage of the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Joining us today is Dr. Sarah El-Amin, an expert on Middle Eastern politics and conflict resolution at the Institute for International Affairs. Dr. El-Amin, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem issued a fiery statement threatening attacks on “downtown Tel Aviv” in response to recent Israeli airstrikes in Beirut. Can you provide some context behind this threat?
**Dr. El-Amin:** Absolutely. The recent Israeli airstrikes, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of several Hezbollah members including spokesperson Mohammed Afif, have significantly escalated tensions. Hezbollah is now promising a direct response targeting Tel Aviv, signaling a potential shift towards more confrontational tactics. This move comes as ceasefire negotiations are underway, creating a heightened sense of uncertainty regarding the possibility of de-escalation.
**Host:** Qassem also stated that Hezbollah won’t accept any ceasefire agreement that compromises Lebanon’s sovereignty. What does this mean in practical terms, especially given that Israel is insisting on maintaining its ”freedom of action” against Hezbollah?
**Dr. El-Amin:** This really highlights the core points of contention in these negotiations. Hezbollah views the Israeli airstrikes as a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and wants guarantees that such actions won’t be repeated.
On the other hand, Israel, citing security concerns, argues for the right to target Hezbollah assets in Lebanon, even if a ceasefire is in place. This creates a fundamental clash of demands that makes finding a mutually acceptable solution incredibly challenging.
**Host:** So, what are the prospects for a ceasefire agreement given these conflicting positions?
**Dr. El-Amin:**
The situation remains extremely volatile. The possibility of a ceasefire deal, while not entirely ruled out, is shrouded in uncertainty. Achieving a lasting peace will likely require significant concessions from both sides and a commitment to addressing the underlying grievances that fuel this conflict.
[References: [Based on provided text)](https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-lebanon-gaza-iran-war-11-19-24/index.html)
