Hezbollah: A war could break out between Lebanon and Israel

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that the organization will retaliate for the killing of its second-in-command, Haytham Ali Tabatabai, in an Israeli strike, saying, "Are you expecting a war to break out between Lebanon and Israel? Perhaps it could, yes, there is such a possibility. However, there is also the possibility that a war will not occur."

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Hezbollah: A war could break out between Lebanon and Israel

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem made statements regarding the airstrike on November 23, in which Israel violated the ceasefire between the two countries and targeted Haytham Ali Tabatabai, known as the number two in Hezbollah, in Beirut. Qassem stated that the organization has the right to respond to the attack and that the appropriate time for retaliation will be determined.

"LARGE-SCALE ATTACKS WILL NOT HAVE AN EFFECT"

Qassem expressed that Israel's more extensive air operations would not produce a result against Hezbollah. Furthermore, in response to a question about whether there would be a new conflict between Lebanon and Israel, he replied, "Are you expecting a war to break out in the future? Perhaps it could, yes, there is such a possibility. However, there is also the possibility that a war will not occur."

CALL FOR "PREPAREDNESS" IN LEBANON

While the Hezbollah leader did not share details on what stance the organization would take in the face of a potential new war, he said that Lebanon should form a plan against Israel by "relying on its army and people."

TOUCHED UPON POPE LEO XIV'S VISIT

Qassem also recalled that Pope Leo XIV, the religious leader of the Catholic Church, would visit Lebanon following his contacts in Turkey, stating, "I hope that the Pope's visit will play a role in ending Israel's aggression and ensuring peace in the region."

ISRAEL HAD CONFIRMED THE ATTACK ORDER

In a statement made by the Office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the attack on November 23, it was confirmed that Tabatabai had been targeted. The statement said, "The Israeli army struck in the center of Beirut the leader who manages Hezbollah's military strengthening and armament efforts. Prime Minister Netanyahu gave the order for the attack upon the recommendation of Defense Minister Israel Katz and Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir. Israel is determined to act anywhere and at any time to achieve its goals."