Such negotiations, he noted, would be led by Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, and would be contingent upon Israel’s withdrawal and a guarantee for Lebanon’s “full sovereignty” (Catchline)
News Desk
BEIRUT: In a forceful statement on Wednesday, Hezbollah’s Secretary General Naim Qassem underscored his belief that only battlefield gains—not political dialogue—could halt the hostilities between Hezbollah and the Israeli military. Qassem, who assumed leadership after the death of his predecessor, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in an Israeli airstrike in September, reaffirmed the militant group’s commitment to continue its armed resistance, citing the battlefield as the sole means to resist what he described as “aggressive” Israeli actions.
Speaking through a pre-recorded televised message, Qassem dismissed the likelihood of political or diplomatic moves ending the year-long conflict, which has unfolded alongside Israel’s offensive in Gaza. “I will tell you very clearly, our conviction is that only one thing can stop this war of aggression, and that is the battlefield,” he declared, articulating Hezbollah’s stance that military pressure must persist until Israel ceases its offensives against Lebanon. While rejecting immediate political avenues, Qassem did mention that a path to indirect negotiations through Lebanon’s official state channels might be possible if Israel halts its attacks.
Such negotiations, he noted, would be led by Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, and would be contingent upon Israel’s withdrawal and a guarantee for Lebanon’s “full sovereignty.” Hezbollah’s leader reiterated that any discussions would need to secure Lebanon’s territorial integrity, although he offered no specifics on what these terms might include. Qassem’s comments reflect Hezbollah’s long-standing position, rooted in an ideological resistance against Israel, while also responding to the escalating regional tensions.
As Lebanon grapples with internal challenges, Qassem’s announcement highlights the complex balance between military readiness and the diplomatic route via the Lebanese state—suggesting that Hezbollah’s engagement with Israel remains fundamentally defined by its military strategy. Meanwhile, Israel, underlined by recent moves with the United States, maintains its security-focused objectives. Last week, Israeli broadcaster Kan published a draft of a US-backed 60-day ceasefire proposal, including a “side letter” permitting Israel to act against perceived security threats in Lebanon.
Israel has justified its military efforts as necessary to safeguard its borders and restore normalcy for residents displaced from northern areas. With Hezbollah’s growing arsenal and ongoing tensions, the possibility of a ceasefire or reduced hostilities in the near term remains uncertain, as both sides are seemingly prepared to prolong their strategies on the battlefield.
