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 obstacles to reaching a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah?
## Interview with Middle East Analyst Following Recent Hezbollah Statements
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is Dr. Elias Saad, a leading expert on Middle Eastern politics and conflict. Dr. Saad, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Saad:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has issued a strongly worded statement following the recent Israeli raids in Beirut, threatening attacks on “downtown Tel Aviv.” How significant is this threat, and what might it mean for the region?
**Dr. Saad:** This threat is significant because it escalates the rhetoric. While Hezbollah has engaged in skirmishes with Israel before, directly threatening downtown Tel Aviv raises the stakes considerably. It signals a potential willingness to target civilian areas, which could lead to a wider conflict with devastating consequences.
**Interviewer:** Qassem is also demanding a ceasefire agreement that respects Lebanon’s sovereignty. What are the key sticking points in this negotiation?
**Dr. Saad:** The main point of contention is the notion of “freehdom of action” that Israel insists on. Israeli officials, like Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, believe any ceasefire cannot curtail Israel’s ability to target Hezbollah positions. Hezbollah, on the other hand, sees this as a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and insists on guarantees that Israel will not unilaterally enter Lebanese territory. This fundamental disagreement makes finding common ground extremely difficult.
**Interviewer:** Given these divisions, do you believe a lasting ceasefire is possible?
**Dr. Saad:** Achieving a lasting ceasefire is challenging, but not impossible. International mediation and pressure on both sides will be crucial. Ultimately, both Israel and Hezbollah need to recognize the devastating human and political cost of continued conflict and make meaningful concessions to reach a sustainable agreement. However, the current climate of distrust and escalation makes this a daunting task.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Saad, for your valuable insights.
[1](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/27/world/middleeast/israel-lebanon-ceasefire.html)
