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 the main sticking points preventing a more permanent resolution between Israel and Hezbollah?
## Interview with International Relations Expert on Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire
**Host:** Welcome back to the program. We’re continuing our coverage of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. There are reports of a ceasefire agreementbrokered by the US and France set to take effect on Wednesday morning. We’re joined now by Dr. Sarah Jones, an expert in international relations with a focus on the Middle East. Dr. Jones, thank you for being with us.
**Dr. Jones:** It’s my pleasure.
**Host:** Dr. Jones, can you give us some context on this ceasefire agreement?
**Dr. Jones:** Certainly. The recent escalation of violence between Israel and Hezbollah, fuelled by Israeli airstrikes on Beirut and the subsequent threats from Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem to target Tel Aviv [[2](https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/lebanon-hezbollah-ceasefire-deal-israel-vote-1.7393352)], led to urgent diplomatic efforts by the US and France. They successfully brokered this ceasefire, aiming to halt the bloodshed and prevent further escalation.
**Host:** Hezbollah has been very clear about its demands for a ceasefire, particularly regarding Lebanese sovereignty. Can you elaborate on their concerns?
**Dr. Jones:** Hezbollah emphasizes the need for any ceasefire to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This means no incursions into Lebanese territory by Israeli forces, which is a point of contention as Israel maintains its “right of self-defense,” especially regarding Hezbollah’s activities [[2](https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/lebanon-hezbollah-ceasefire-deal-israel-vote-1.7393352)].
**Host:** What are the likely challenges in upholding this ceasefire?
**Dr. Jones:** Several challenges loom.
Hezbollah’s stated threats against Tel Aviv and its insistence on a comprehensive end to Israeli aggression may be difficult to reconcile with Israel’s security concerns. There’s a risk of future flare-ups if either side perceives violations or feels its core demands aren’t met.
**Host:** Dr. Jones, this is a developing situation. Could this ceasefire be a step toward a more lasting peace in the region?
**Dr. Jones:** Only time will tell. While this ceasefire offers a much-needed respite, true peace requires addressing the underlying issues, such as the perception of threats and the question of Lebanese sovereignty.
This ceasefire could be a starting point for dialog and negotiations leading to a more sustainable resolution, but it’s a fragile step, and much work remains to be done.
**Host:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Jones. We’ll continue to follow this story closely.
