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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How might Hezbollah’s refusal to accept a ceasefire that compromises Lebanese sovereignty complicate efforts to reach a peaceful resolution?
## Interview: Hezbollah’s Response to Israeli Airstrikes
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Sarah Khan, a leading expert on Middle Eastern politics and conflict. Dr. Khan, recent airstrikes by Israel in Beirut have resulted in the deaths of Hezbollah members, including their spokesperson. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has responded with a strong statement. Can you give us an overview of the situation?
**Dr. Khan:** That’s right. The situation is extremely volatile. Hezbollah has accused Israel of aggression and vowed to retaliate with attacks on Tel Aviv. Qassem’s statement highlights Hezbollah’s refusal to accept any ceasefire that compromises Lebanese sovereignty.
**Host:** Israel has insisted on maintaining “freedom of action” against Hezbollah even if a ceasefire is reached. How does this complicate the situation?
**Dr. Khan:** This is a major sticking point. Both sides have red lines. Israel wants to ensure it can target Hezbollah, viewing them as a threat. Hezbollah, on the other hand, sees any Israeli incursion into Lebanese territory as a violation of their sovereignty.
**Host:** Hezbollah’s growing military strength is no secret. In fact, according to a 2024 Al Jazeera article [[1](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/18/hezbollah-and-israel-a-timeline-of-conflict)], by 1985 Hezbollah was powerful enough to force Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon. Does this escalation increase the risk of a wider confrontation?
**Dr. Khan:** Absolutely. The history of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel is long and marked by violence. Hezbollah’s growing military capabilities raise concerns about the potential for a larger-scale conflict with devastating consequences for the region.
**Host:** What are the possible scenarios moving forward?
**Dr. Khan:** It’s a tense situation. International pressure for de-escalation is crucial. A negotiated ceasefire that addresses the concerns of both sides is the best outcome, but achieving that will require serious diplomatic efforts and concessions. Otherwise, we risk an escalation with unpredictable and potentially catastrophic results.
**Host:** Dr. Khan, thank you for shedding light on this complex and concerning situation.
**Dr. Khan:** Thank you for having me.