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
How is the international community attempting to mediate the situation and prevent further escalation?
## Interview with Analyst on Hezbollah-Israel Ceasefire
**Host:** Welcome back to the program. We’re discussing the recent developments in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Joining us is Dr. Sarah Lawson, a Middle Eastern Conflicts Analyst. Dr. Lawson, can you unpack this new standoff?
**Dr. Lawson:** Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed tense. We’ve seen Israel demanding the right to strike Lebanon even during a ceasefire if they deem Hezbollah a threat [[1](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/26/ceasefire-between-lebanons-hezbollah-and-israel-what-to-know)]. This is a highly sensitive demand, as Hezbollah considers any encroachment on Lebanese sovereignty unacceptable.
**Host:** Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has been making strong statements, hasn’t he?
**Dr. Lawson:** Absolutely. He’s stated unequivocally that Hezbollah will not accept a ceasefire that allows Israel to continue unilaterally entering Lebanese territory [[1](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/26/ceasefire-between-lebanons-hezbollah-and-israel-what-to-know)]. He’s also issued a direct threat, warning of attacks on Tel Aviv in retaliation for the recent Israeli raids in Beirut.
**Host:** This sounds like a precarious situation. What are the potential consequences of this impasse in negotiations?
**Dr. Lawson:** The risk of escalation is very real. Both sides are entrenched in their positions. Israel insists on maintaining its ”freedom of action” against Hezbollah, while Hezbollah is fiercely defending Lebanese sovereignty. The international community needs to tread carefully and push for a ceasefire agreement that addresses the security concerns of both sides without undermining Lebanon’s territorial integrity. Otherwise, the risk of another full-blown conflict remains high.
**Host:** Dr. Lawson, thank you for your insights. This is a complex and evolving situation, and we’ll continue to track developments closely.
