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
What strategies could the international community employ to effectively mediate a ceasefire and prevent further escalation?
## Interview with an Expert on the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict
**Host:** Welcome back to the programme. Today we’re discussing the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. We’re joined by Dr. [Guest Name], an expert on Middle Eastern affairs and international security. Dr. [Guest Name], thanks for being here.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** The situation seems to be spiraling out of control. Can you give us a sense of what’s happening on the ground?
**Guest:** Certainly. Tensions were already high, but Israel’s announcement of a ground invasion in southern Lebanon marks a significant escalation [[1](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj9jwkppnd1o)]. Hezbollah has been launching rockets into Israel in response to the Israeli airstrikes, and now both sides are engaging in a more direct confrontation.
**Host:** We’ve seen statements from Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem escalating the rhetoric, threatening attacks on “downtown Tel Aviv”. What are the implications of this kind of language?
**Guest:** This is extremely concerning. Qassem’s threats signal a potential expansion of the conflict beyond the current border clashes. It also underscores Hezbollah’s willingness to target civilian areas, potentially leading to further casualties and a broader humanitarian crisis.
**Host:** We understand that Hezbollah has also rejected any ceasefire that doesn’t fully respect Lebanon’s sovereignty. What does this mean in terms of finding a resolution to the crisis?
**Guest:** It means finding a lasting solution will be incredibly difficult. Hezbollah sees Israel’s actions as an infringement on Lebanese sovereignty and is demanding a complete withdrawal.
This makes negotiating a ceasefire that satisfies both sides a monumental challenge.
**Host:** What role do you think the international community can play in de-escalating this conflict?
**Guest:** The international community needs to act swiftly and decisively. They need to exert pressure on both sides to agree to a ceasefire and work towards a long-term political solution. This involves engaging with regional players, supporting peace negotiations, and providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict.
**Host:** Thank you Dr. [Guest Name] for your valuable insights. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we’ll continue to follow it closely.
