Hezbollah official rejects cease-fire claims, asserts Israel will ‘never win’ conflict

Head of Hezbollah’s media office, Mohammad Afif, delivered a speech emphasizing that Israel will not achieve victory in its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.

He also dismissed reports of a proposed cease-fire agreement in Lebanon, asserting that the group has not received any formal truce offer.

Hezbollah denies receiving truce proposal

Speaking at a press conference in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Mohammad Afif refuted claims that Hezbollah had received any official ceasefire proposal. His remarks come amid reports from Israeli officials about progress in diplomatic negotiations.

“As of now, we have not received any official proposal for a truce,” Afif said. “Discussions and ideas are being floated, but nothing concrete has reached us,” he added.

Afif noted that current talks appear to be in an exploratory phase, with no substantial agreements yet.

Diplomatic progress reported by Israel

Israeli officials have indicated progress in cease-fire talks, facilitated by U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar highlighted that while there have been positive developments, the major challenge remains enforcement.

“There is progress,” Saar stated at a press conference, adding: “However, ensuring that what is agreed upon will be implemented is the primary concern.”

Reports from Israel Hayom and Yedioth Ahronoth suggest that the proposed cease-fire would require Hezbollah to withdraw its forces north of the Litani River, reducing its military presence near the Israeli border. The Israeli army would also return to the international border under this agreement.

Hezbollah’s position on military capability

In his address, Afif emphasized Hezbollah’s readiness for a prolonged conflict, dismissing Israeli claims about depleted missile reserves. He underscored the group’s ability to sustain military operations despite ongoing Israeli attacks.

“Our fighters on the front lines have sufficient weapons, equipment, and supplies to endure a long war,” Afif stated.

“You cannot win this war through air superiority alone or by targeting civilians. As long as you fail to advance on the ground, your political objectives will remain out of reach,” he added.

“After 45 days of intense fighting, Israel has failed to occupy even a single Lebanese village,” he said. “Our missile stockpiles are complete in the same way that they were on the first day,” he added.

“Hezbollah continues to increase its missile stockpiles, both in quantity and quality,” he also: “Our concept of victory comprises prevention of realization of the enemy’s political and military goals.”

Hezbollah distances itself from Iranian influence claims

Afif addressed the frequent portrayal of Hezbollah as a proxy for Iranian interests, denying that the group takes orders from Tehran.

He emphasized Hezbollah’s origins as a Lebanese resistance movement that emerged in response to Israeli occupation in 1982.

“Our leadership and fighters are Lebanese, rooted in this land,” Afif stated. “We are not following anyone’s orders, nor are we influenced by external directives. Our allegiance is solely to our country.”

After 45 days of intense fighting involving five divisions and two brigades, the enemy has been unable to occupy a single Lebanese village. Winter will soon set in, complicating their efforts even further.

Head of Hezbollah’s media office, Mohammad Afif