Naim Qassem during his first speech as head of Hezbollah, Oct. 30, 2024. (Credit: Screenshot from Al-Mayadeen)
For Hezbollah's new leader, the war looks set to last a long time, but that hasn't stopped him from opening the door to negotiations. In his first speech after his election the previous day, Naim Qassem said on Wednesday that the “diplomatic efforts currently underway” to end the war in Lebanon will not succeed, at a time when the many positive signals about a potential imminent cease-fire are multiplying, notably in the Israeli press. Stating in a recorded speech that his party has “the necessary experience and means, and is prepared for a long-term battle,” he felt that the “painful blows” he is inflicting on the Israelis will push them to back down."We don't know when all these factors might lead to an end to the war, but we're continuing the fight and won't beg for a cease-fire,” he insisted. "If the Israeli decides he wants to stop...
For Hezbollah's new leader, the war looks set to last a long time, but that hasn't stopped him from opening the door to negotiations. In his first speech after his election the previous day, Naim Qassem said on Wednesday that the “diplomatic efforts currently underway” to end the war in Lebanon will not succeed, at a time when the many positive signals about a potential imminent cease-fire are multiplying, notably in the Israeli press. Stating in a recorded speech that his party has “the necessary experience and means, and is prepared for a long-term battle,” he felt that the “painful blows” he is inflicting on the Israelis will push them to back down."We don't know when all these factors might lead to an end to the war, but we're continuing the fight and won't beg for a cease-fire,” he insisted. "If the Israeli decides he...