BEIRUT,Lebanon.Nov 20 – The leader of Hezbollah has announced that the Lebanese resistance movement is prepared for a prolonged conflict with Israel. In response to recent deadly airstrikes on Beirut, the group plans to target central Tel Aviv.
In a televised address on Wednesday, Sheikh Naim Qassem referred to the recent Israeli strikes on three central Beirut districts, which resulted in the martyrdom of Hezbollah’s media chief Mohammad Afif and four team members.
Sheikh Qassem stated, “The regime martyred Afif while he was in a civilian, media, and political location that is supposed to be protected in such cases. Israel attacked, assassinated, and assaulted the heart of the capital Beirut, so they must expect that the response will be in the center of Tel Aviv. We cannot leave the capital under the blows of the Israeli enemy unless it pays the price.”
Prepared for Long War
Sheikh Qassem highlighted Hezbollah’s resilience, noting that the group recovered within ten days following the assassination of Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. He emphasized the group’s commitment to defending Lebanon against Israeli occupation.
“They gave us a choice between submission and humiliation… and far from us is humiliation,” he said. “The resistance is capable of waging a long war.”
He praised the group’s steadfastness against Israeli aggression and noted that their retaliatory attacks have displaced hundreds of settlers from the northern occupied territories.
“We will remain on the battlefield and fight regardless of the cost. We will raise the cost for the enemy, respond to its aggression, and remain in a defensive stance,” he added.
Sheikh Qassem assured that despite the chaos in Lebanon, Hezbollah will continue to support Palestinians in Gaza.
Rejection of Israeli Conditions
Regarding ceasefire talks, Sheikh Qassem stated that Hezbollah will not cease fighting while negotiations are ongoing. “Israel cannot defeat us and cannot impose its conditions on us,” he said, asserting that the group seeks a “complete and comprehensive end to aggression” and the preservation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
He confirmed that Hezbollah has reviewed and provided feedback on a US-drafted ceasefire proposal and that the outcome depends on Israel’s response and the seriousness of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Sheikh Qassem’s remarks came hours after US envoy Amos Hochstein concluded a two-day visit to Beirut to broker a ceasefire deal. Hochstein expressed optimism about ending the fighting and mentioned plans to visit the Israeli-occupied territories to advance the negotiations.
The death toll from Israeli aggression against Lebanon since October 2023 has surpassed 3,500, with over 15,000 injured.
