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Naim Qassem Links Ceasefire to Israel's Approval of US Proposal
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Hezbollah's Reference to Military and Negotiation Paths Shows Attempt to Pressure Israel to Accept its Terms While Maintaining Escalation Option
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem threatened Wednesday to target "central Tel Aviv" in response to recent Israeli strikes on Beirut, particularly Sunday's attack that killed the party's media official.
In a recorded speech, Qassem declared "We cannot leave the capital under Israeli enemy strikes without them paying the price. The price is central Tel Aviv. I hope the enemy understands things aren't left unchecked."
The party's Secretary-General revealed studying the American ceasefire initiative to end confrontations with Israel and providing feedback, explaining that the decision to stop military operations now lies with Tel Aviv.
He reported that the organization allows de-escalation talks to continue and monitors potential outcomes, emphasizing that "the party decided to pursue two parallel paths: field and negotiation... if negotiations fail, we'll continue fighting." Qassem explained that "the resistance regained strength after losses incurred, and faces the enemy wherever it advances."
He added: "The resistance repels the army wherever it moves, and it's not essential if the Israeli army is said to have invaded or withdrawn from a village; what matters is its casualty count."
He confirmed "the resistance's ability to continue fighting at this level for an extended period," adding: "We prepared for a long battle, and we're currently negotiating not under pressure as rumored, because Israel is also under pressure."
He stressed that "war of attrition exhausts Israel, not us... we won't suspend field confrontations while talks continue," adding: "Ceasefire is linked to Israel's response to the proposed agreement... we negotiate within two constants: ending conflict and preserving Lebanese sovereignty."
Qassem indicated the party's approval of current negotiations... "our observations on the American proposal confirm our desire to stop confrontations," affirming "harmony between Hezbollah and Lebanese state observations on the proposed solution initiative."
His statements came in a recorded speech broadcast before US envoy Amos Hochstein announced his intention to head to Israel from Beirut seeking a ceasefire agreement.
Levant-Agencies
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