Ball now in Israel’s court to end Lebanon war: Hezbollah chief

Last Updated on November 22, 2024 6:04 am

The pro-Iranian armed group Hezbollah has agreed to the US proposal for a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said on Wednesday that they had reviewed the American proposal for a ceasefire and submitted their response through the mediation of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. At the same time, he commented that the ball is now in Israel’s court.

The Times of Israel reported this in a report on Thursday (November 21).

In a pre-recorded speech, Qassem said that Hezbollah would not reveal its position on the ceasefire issue to the media. However, he noted that in the discussions, they adhere to two principles, firstly, the complete cessation of hostilities and secondly, the preservation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.

There are rumors that Israel wants the freedom to carry out attacks on Hezbollah targets even after the ceasefire. However, the Hezbollah chief rejected this proposal.

He said Israel would not be allowed to violate Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Qassem said in a stern tone that Hezbollah has the capability to wage a protracted war against Israeli forces and that the group is ready to pay any price.

Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar told 100 foreign ambassadors that they want a lasting agreement with Hezbollah. But they want the right to take any action if the agreement is violated.

In addition, US Ambassador Amos Hochstein arrived in Israel from Beirut on Wednesday to discuss a ceasefire in Lebanon.

An Israeli official told The Times of Israel that Hochstein’s schedule has not yet been finalized. However, Axios News reported that the senior ambassador will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday morning.