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 were the immediate triggers for the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreement?
## Interview with Middle East Analyst on the Israeli-Hezbollah Ceasefire
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show. We’re discussing the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. Joining us is Dr. [Alex Reed Name], a leading expert on Middle Eastern politics and conflict. Dr. [Alex Reed Name], thank you for being here.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** Let’s start with the basics. On November 26th, a 60-day ceasefire was announced between Israel and Hezbollah. Can you tell us what precipitated this move after over a year of intense conflict?
**Alex Reed:** The situation has been incredibly tense, with repeated rocket attacks from Hezbollah into Israel and Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. [[1](https://theconversation.com/why-israel-and-hezbollah-reached-a-ceasefire-now-and-what-it-means-for-israel-lebanon-biden-and-trump-244700)]. The agreement appears partly driven by a desire to de-escalate tensions given the ongoing multifront conflict in the region.
**Interviewer:** Sources indicate Hezbollah is not entirely satisfied with the ceasefire. What has Hezbollah stated about its acceptance of the agreement?
**Interviewer:** You’re right, Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Qassem, has made it clear that they will closely scrutinize the ceasefire’s terms. He has emphasized that any agreement must respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and that Hezbollah will not tolerate Israeli incursions into Lebanese territory even after a ceasefire. He also warned of retaliatory attacks on Tel Aviv if Israel violates the ceasefire.
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. This delicate balance between seeking an end to hostilities while still protecting their perceived interests is a key dynamic to watch.
**Interviewer:** What are the challenges ahead for this ceasefire to hold?
**Alex Reed:** Multiple challenges lie ahead. One key issue is the definition of “freedom of action” for Israel. Israel insists on maintaining this, arguing it’s necessary to deter Hezbollah. Hezbollah, however, views this as a threat to their sovereignty and security. Furthermore, the underlying tensions and grievances that fueled the conflict remain unresolved.
**Interviewer:** Dr. [Alex Reed Name], thank you for generously sharing your insights. This is certainly a developing situation we will continue to monitor.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure. It’s a crucial moment in the region, and hopefully, this ceasefire sets the stage for a more lasting peace.
