Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary General, Naim Qassem, has issued a call for Israelis to accept a ceasefire in Lebanon to avoid further escalation of hostilities. This plea comes in the wake of Hezbollah's recent deadly attack on an Israeli military base near Haifa, resulting in the loss of four soldiers.
Qassem emphasized that the ceasefire proposal is not a sign of weakness on Hezbollah's part but a strategic move to prevent further displacement and danger to civilians. He warned that without a truce, more Israelis could be at risk, with over 2 million people potentially in danger at any given time.
Hezbollah's revised strategy now includes the intention to strike deeper into Israeli territory in response to attacks on Lebanon. Qassem stated that any area within Israel could be targeted in retaliation for Israeli aggression.
Despite facing challenges such as recent attacks on its members, Hezbollah maintains its strength and readiness to defend against Israeli incursions. Qassem also took a jab at the Israeli military, suggesting that their ground operations in Lebanon have yielded limited gains.
The Israeli government has expressed a desire for the safe return of displaced residents in northern Israel as a key objective of the conflict. Qassem's message to the Israeli public is clear: accept the ceasefire to avoid further escalation and protect civilian lives.