Qassem added whoever claims that Israel was lured into war because of the October 7 attacks by Hamas forgets 75 years of killings of Palestinians, their land, holy sites, and other properties.
In his first message since he became the new Hezbollah chief, Naim Qassem said the Iran-backed militant group war with Israel was not over amid rising tensions between the two blocs.
Both Israel and Hezbollah have carried out the airstrikes since then. However, the latter got a big jolt when its chief, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed by the Jewish nation in September.
Following much gossip around the issue, the Iran-backed group named Qassem as its chief on October 29; he has now stated that the aggression on Israel would continue.
“We will carry on our war plan within the set political frameworks; we will keep on the road to war,” he said, adding that he intended to follow the agenda set by his predecessor, Hassan Nasrallah.
He pointed out that those now claiming Israel was provoked into war because of the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas had forgotten 75 years of killing Palestinians and stealing their land, holy sites, and other properties.
“It is better for us to have resistance with an offense attack, rather than waiting and nothing, then Israel attacks us and surprises us in one way or another. We are ready.
If imposed on us, we will face it with all strength, determination, steadfastness, and pride. No one is fighting on our behalf. Let everyone know. We are not fighting on behalf of anyone. Nor for anyone’s project (plan). We are fighting for our project,” he said.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant responded skeptically to Qassem’s appointment, saying in a posting on X: “Temporary appointment. Not for long,” with the addition of a photo of the new leader.
