Hezbollah Leader Naim Qassem Condemns One-Sided Ceasefire, Threatens Israeli Retaliation
Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem has forcefully declared that the ongoing 10-day truce with Israel cannot be one-sided, vowing that his militant fighters will respond to any Israeli attacks on Lebanon. In a televised statement on Saturday, Qassem emphasized that a genuine ceasefire requires a complete cessation of hostilities from both parties, not just the resistance movement.
"Hands on the Trigger" Warning Against Israeli Violations
"A ceasefire means a complete cessation of all hostilities. Because we do not trust this enemy, the resistance fighters will remain in the field with their hands on the trigger, and they will respond to violations accordingly," Qassem declared. "There is no ceasefire from the side of the resistance only, it must be from both sides."
The Hezbollah leader offered his first public reaction since the ceasefire took effect at midnight on Thursday, with terms reportedly shared by the US State Department. Qassem sharply criticized American involvement, calling it "an insult to our country and our homeland, Lebanon, that America dictates its text and speaks on behalf of the Lebanese government."
Criticism of Lebanese Government's Diplomatic Moves
The truce emerged days after Lebanon and Israel's ambassadors met in Washington ahead of planned direct negotiations between the two nations, marking their first such talks in decades. Qassem expressed strong disapproval of these diplomatic efforts, stating: "Enough of subjecting Lebanon to these humiliations by negotiating directly with the Israeli enemy and listening to its dictates, and by the shameful spectacle in Washington."
This conflict escalation began when Tehran-backed Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the broader Middle East conflict on March 2 by attacking Israel, seeking to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader. This prompted waves of Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion in southern Lebanon, creating significant regional tension.
Iranian Support and Strategic Implications
Qassem expressed "gratitude" to Iran "for their support and assistance," revealing that Iran kept the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz closed until a truce was reached in Lebanon. Iran's military subsequently declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again on Saturday, following a brief reopening, in direct response to a US blockade of Iranian ports.
The Lebanese government has taken several unprecedented measures against Hezbollah over the past year, including vows to disarm the group and outlaw its military activities. While Hezbollah has rejected these governmental moves, Qassem maintained his organization was "open to the fullest cooperation with the Lebanese authorities, embarking on a new chapter... and utilising our strengths within a national security strategy."
This delicate balance between confrontation and cooperation underscores the complex political landscape in Lebanon, where Hezbollah remains a powerful force despite increasing governmental pressure. The situation continues to evolve as regional powers navigate this fragile ceasefire arrangement.
