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 are Hezbollah’s demands for a ceasefire?
## Interview: Hezbollah Threatens Tel Aviv After Israeli Raids
**Host:** Welcome back. We’re following the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah after recent Israeli airstrikes in Beirut. Joining us to discuss the situation is Dr. Alex Reed, an expert on Middle East geopolitical affairs. Dr. Alex Reed, thanks for being here.
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** **Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has issued a direct threat against Tel Aviv.** He said the response to the Israeli raids will include attacks on “downtown Tel Aviv.” What does this mean for the security situation in the region?
**Alex Reed:** This is a serious escalation [[1](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67307858)]. Hezbollah threatening Tel Aviv is a direct challenge to Israel, potentially signaling a wider confrontation. It highlights the increased volatility and the possibility for this conflict to spiral out of control.
**Host:** The BBC reports that Hezbollah has also declared it won’t accept a ceasefire that compromises Lebanese sovereignty. What are Hezbollah’s demands?
**Alex Reed**: Hezbollah is demanding a complete cessation of Israeli hostility and a guarantee that Israel will no longer violate Lebanese airspace [[1](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67307858)]. They are pushing back against what they see as Israeli attempts to dictate terms and control their actions.
**Host:** How does this refusal to compromise affect the prospects for peace?
**Alex Reed:** This standoff makes finding a peaceful resolution very challenging. Both sides are digging in their heels, making a negotiated settlement appear increasingly difficult. There’s a real risk of the conflict escalating into a wider regional war.
**Host:** Dr. Alex Reed, thank you for your insights.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure.
