War Against Israel to Continue, Declares Hezbollah Chief

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• Hezbollah’s new leader Naim Qassem vowed to continue the war against Israel.
• Israel and Hezbollah continue exchanging airstrikes, escalating tensions between them.
• Qassem committed to following his predecessor Hassan Nasrallah’s strategy.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

In his first address as Hezbollah’s leader, Iran-backed Naim Qassem announced his commitment to the ongoing conflict against Israel. His message comes amidst heightened tensions following the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas, with Qassem asserting that those citing these attacks as provocation overlook 75 years of Palestinian suffering, including killings, land seizure, and desecration of holy sites.

Both Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in airstrikes, leading to significant casualties, including the death of Hezbollah’s former leader, Hassan Nasrallah, by Israel in September. Following this, Hezbollah appointed Qassem as its chief on October 29. Reaffirming their stance, he declared the group’s aggressive posture towards Israel would continue, stating, “We will persist in our war plan within the designated political frameworks, adhering to the path established by Nasrallah.”

He added that “we are not fighting on behalf of anyone else; this is our own struggle. If forced upon us, we will respond with all strength and pride.”

In response, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed skepticism over Qassem’s new role, terming it “temporary.” The Israeli government shared a similar sentiment, hinting that Qassem’s leadership could be short-lived if he emulates his predecessors’ path, emphasizing that dismantling Hezbollah remains the only solution for Lebanon’s stability.

Qassem has addressed the media on multiple occasions, including on October 8, where he supported a potential ceasefire in Lebanon.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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