Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem’s first televised interview was highly anticipated in political circles, especially in light of what is seen as Hezbollah’s weakening since the Nov. 27 cease-fire agreement and rumors of internal discord.What stood out to observers was the distinction he made between Hezbollah’s relationship with the president and its ties with the prime minister.Qassem delivered several key messages, emphasizing that Hezbollah has regained its footing, even as it conducts a full reassessment of the previous period to analyze shortcomings and draw necessary lessons.He also stressed that the cease-fire agreement only stipulates the removal of Hezbollah’s weapons from the area south of the Litani River. Beyond that, he argued, there is no explicit provision concerning the rest of the country, though for now,...
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem’s first televised interview was highly anticipated in political circles, especially in light of what is seen as Hezbollah’s weakening since the Nov. 27 cease-fire agreement and rumors of internal discord.What stood out to observers was the distinction he made between Hezbollah’s relationship with the president and its ties with the prime minister.Qassem delivered several key messages, emphasizing that Hezbollah has regained its footing, even as it conducts a full reassessment of the previous period to analyze shortcomings and draw necessary lessons.He also stressed that the cease-fire agreement only stipulates the removal of Hezbollah’s weapons from the area south of the Litani River. Beyond that, he argued, there is no explicit provision concerning the rest of the country, though for...