US election results will not affect cease-fire efforts, says Hezbollah chief
An image grab taken from Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV shows Hezbollah chief Naim Qasem delivering a televised speech from an undisclosed location, Nov. 6, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Hezbollah’s leader said Wednesday that the outcome of the U.S. presidential election would have no impact on any potential cease-fire to end the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah.
In a pre-recorded speech, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem stated, “We do not base our expectations for a halt to the aggression on political developments. Whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump wins, it means nothing to us.”
Qassem reiterated Hezbollah’s resolve to compel Israel to stop its air and ground attacks on Lebanon, declaring, “There is no place within Israel that is off-limits to missiles and drones launched from Lebanon.”
He emphasized that any cease-fire negotiations must be grounded in “the complete cessation of Israeli aggression and the full protection of Lebanese sovereignty.”
‘Endless’ US supply for Israel
The Hezbollah leader criticized Israel’s military capabilities, noting the significant aerial power supported by “an endless supply from the United States.” Qassem also accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of seeking to “occupy Lebanon and eliminate Hezbollah’s presence.”
“We are currently in a defensive position to counter Israeli aggression against Lebanon and its expansionist aims,” Qassem said, adding that “the resistance will make the Israeli enemy seek a halt to the aggression.”
Since late September, Israel has conducted a massive air campaign against what it claims are Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, escalating from months of cross-border warfare amid Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
According to Lebanese health authorities, Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,000 people and injured over 13,500 since October 2023. On Oct. 1, Israel broadened the conflict by launching a ground assault into southern Lebanon.
