Hezbollah’s new leader, Naim Qassem, expressed on Wednesday that the Lebanese militant group could consider a ceasefire if Israel meets specific conditions. This statement comes after Israel intensified its attacks on Hezbollah strongholds. “If the Israelis decide they want to stop the aggression, we accept under conditions we find appropriate and suitable,” Qassem told Al-Jadeed during an interview.
Israeli Attacks and Ceasefire Talks
Earlier, Israel’s security cabinet convened to discuss the prospect of a ceasefire, while Israeli forces targeted Baalbek in eastern Lebanon, resulting in the death of a senior Hezbollah commander. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported at least 19 fatalities in Baalbek following the strikes.
Qassem, who recently assumed leadership on October 29 after the group’s secretary general Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli strike, emphasized Hezbollah’s readiness for prolonged resistance against Israel but acknowledged the possibility of a ceasefire if Israel presents a suitable offer.
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Regional and International Response
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed hope for a potential ceasefire, while US envoy Amos Hochstein indicated that an agreement might be within reach. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen also confirmed discussions on a ceasefire, stipulating that Hezbollah must retreat from Israel’s border regions. “There are discussions; I think it will still take time,” Cohen remarked to Israeli radio. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently met with ministers to discuss Israel’s conditions, including a 60-day truce.
The US State Department stated that President Joe Biden’s Middle East adviser Brett McGurk and Hochstein were en route to Israel to explore diplomatic solutions in Lebanon and Gaza. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed efforts to reduce tensions, noting that the US officials would engage with Israeli leaders on a potential diplomatic resolution in Lebanon and a pathway to ending the Gaza conflict.
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