Four key quotes from Hassan Nasrallah’s speech, and what they mean

Here are some key quotes to make note of from Hassan Nasrallah's speech on Thursday, given in tandem with the funeral of senior Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur:

• "The attack on the southern suburbs, where the party's senior military figure Fouad Shukur was assassinated and also civilians were killed, is not a response to the strike against Majdel Shams, but an aggression."

How to interpret: Unlike previous attacks carried out in accordance with the concept of retaliation and counter-retaliation, both well-calculated and within the rules of engagement, this strike will be followed by an act of reprisal.

The same applies to the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil: Making it a question of honor, implies a different and therefore more violent reaction from Tehran.

• "We have moved to a new phase — which now goes beyond the principle of supporting Gaza — on all fronts of the 'Axis of Resistance'; and the scale of escalation will depend on Tel Aviv's reaction."

How to interpret: The Axis forces are preparing a violent response from all fronts, possibly simultaneously, against recent Israeli attacks, including the strike on the port of Hodeida in Yemen two weeks ago. From that point on, it will be up to Tel Aviv to decide — and take responsibility for that decision — if the conflict is expanded even further, already on the brink of regional conflagration.

• "A message to the West and those who want a return to calm: There is no solution without pressure on Israel to stop the war on Gaza."

How to interpret: Nasrallah is addressing the Americans, who do not want a regional war, in the lead-up to the November presidential election but who also appear to be incapable of reining in the increasingly impulsive Benjamin Netanyahu.

• "Our response will certainly come: that is not debatable. It is now up to the enemy and those who stand behind them to wait. Between you and us, the days and the field."

How to interpret: Nasrallah is again playing his strongest card: psychological warfare and maintaining suspense. By insisting that the response will be genuine and well-studied rather than impulsive and symbolic, he is buying his party time before taking action.