The deputy chief of Hezbollah has promised the Lebanese armed group is ready for any ground offensive by Israel, even without its lately killed leader and some senior commanders. Sheikh Naim Qassem, in an address to the public on Monday, reassured the people that Israel has failed in trying to weaken Hezbollah’s military wing.
Qassem, however, said that even after the recent bombardment attacks in Lebanon, Hezbollah’s activities would continue unabated. He said A new leadership would soon be formed through “internal mechanisms,” he said.
We are fully prepared in case the Israelis decide on ground incursion; the resistance forces are ready for that,” Qassem announced. He asserted that Hezbollah would continue pursuing its goals without allowing the Israelis to achieve their objectives by creating chaos through aggression against civilians.
“Israel is committing massacres across Lebanon, leaving no home untouched by their aggression,”
He said while denouncing attacks against civilians and civilian targets. He called the Israeli way one aimed at the non-combatants while avoiding face-to-face battle.
Qassem also attacked the United States as an accomplice to Israel through unparalleled military aid: “We will prevail, just like during our fight with Israel in 2006.”
His remarks were an attempt to reassure the Shia community of Lebanon, who will no doubt be disturbed following the death of Nasrallah. Analysts said with one more similar assassination by Israeli intelligence, Hezbollah faces challenges in regrouping after a series of Israeli assassinations impacted the militant group’s leadership.
It is now an escalation of more than 1,000 casualties due to fierce Israeli attacks over the past few weeks. “In response, Lebanon caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati reiterated his government’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire, adding plans to deploy the army in southern Lebanon to enforce a UN resolution to prevent further conflict.”.
