Qassem Backs Berri’s Ceasefire, Assures Hezbollah’s Strength

On Tuesday, Hezbollah’s Deputy Chief Sheikh Naim Qassem declared that the group’s military strength remains robust despite enduring weeks of intense Israeli airstrikes.

During a televised speech, Qassem emphasized Hezbollah’s resilience and operational successes, noting, “Hundreds of rockets and dozens of drones have been launched, targeting numerous Israeli settlements and cities… I assure you that our capabilities are intact.”

Qassem’s statement came on the anniversary of intensified hostilities that escalated into a full-blown conflict last month. He confidently asserted that Hezbollah would continue to extend its rocket fire deeper into Israeli territory, resulting in further displacement of Israelis.

He further highlighted that Hezbollah has effectively filled positions left by commanders who were casualties of recent Israeli airstrikes, stating, “There are no vacant posts.” He mentioned that the organization would appoint a new leader to follow Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed last month in a strike on an underground base in south Beirut, though he acknowledged the challenges posed by the ongoing war.

“The organization and its leadership remain tightly structured… We have weathered severe setbacks,” Qassem remarked, reflecting on the losses sustained, including that of Nasrallah and other key figures since September 23.

In his address, Qassem mourned the late secretary-general but expressed motivation from Nasrallah’s resilience. Addressing the Israeli army chief directly, he predicted failure for the Israeli forces: “The longer the war drags on, the greater Israel’s predicament will become.”

“We are steadfast and, God willing, we will triumph… We will not plead for peace nor will we be the first to falter,” he continued, expressing confidence in defeating Israel and critiquing the Israeli military’s inability to make significant ground advances in southern Lebanon.

He described any territorial gains by Israel as inconsequential and expressed a readiness to engage the enemy, suggesting that Israeli losses could potentially hasten the end of the conflict.

Furthermore, Qassem expressed support for political efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire with Israel, led by Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, whom he referred to as the “big brother” and in whom he places complete trust.

Al-Arabiya television reported that Lebanese politicians interpret Qassem’s remarks as effectively passing leadership responsibilities to Nabih Berri during these critical times.