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
## Interview Snippet: Hezbollah Leader Responds to Israeli Raids
**Host:** Tensions are escalating between Israel and Hezbollah after recent Israeli airstrikes in Beirut. Joining us now is Dr. Sarah Miller, Middle East expert and author of “Conflict and Negotiation in the Levant.” Dr. Miller, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has issued a stark threat. What can you tell us about his response?
**Dr. Miller:** The situation is indeed very tense. Naim Qassem explicitly threatened attacks on downtown Tel Aviv in retaliation for the recent Israeli raids which killed several Hezbollah members, including their spokesman. He emphasized that Hezbollah will not accept any ceasefire agreement that compromises Lebanon’s sovereignty, directly challenging Israel’s demand for “freedom of action” against them [[1](https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-lebanon-gaza-iran-war-11-19-24/index.html)].
**Host:** Hezbollah calls this a violation of Lebanese sovereignty?
**Dr. Miller:** Absolutely. Qassem insists that Israel cannot simply enter Lebanese territory at will, even under a ceasefire agreement. This reflects Hezbollah’s longstanding position that they will resist what they see as Israeli aggression and encroachment on Lebanese territory.
**Host:** This situation seems incredibly precarious. Where do you see it going from here?
**Dr. Miller:** That’s the million-dollar question. The risk of further escalation is very real. Both sides seem entrenched in their positions, and any miscalculation could lead to a wider conflict. International efforts are crucial to de-escalate the situation and find a diplomatic solution that addresses the legitimate concerns of both Israel and Lebanon.
**Host:** Thank you for your valuable insights, Dr. Miller.
