Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, delivered a televised address on Tuesday, expressing his willingness to engage in truce discussions with Israel, a significant shift in the organization’s stance. Notably, Qassem did not attach any preconditions to a ceasefire, including a halt to Israel’s ongoing operation against Hamas in Gaza.
This change in tone comes after the Israeli military eliminated Hezbollah’s second-in-command in a span of two weeks, prompting speculation that the organization is reassessing its position. Qassem’s statement marks a departure from previous demands for an end to the Gaza conflict as a prerequisite for ceasefire talks.
Qassem also voiced support for Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah, in a move that may signal a strengthening of ties between the two entities. As the first Hezbollah leader to advocate for a ceasefire without linking it to the Gaza conflict, Qassem’s statement assumes added significance.
The fate of Hashem Safieddine, a high-ranking Hezbollah official and potential successor to the late Hassan Nasrallah, remains uncertain. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Safieddine was “probably” killed in a recent airstrike, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his death. The loss of leadership has left Hezbollah facing an uncertain future.
Netanyahu addressed the Lebanese people directly, urging them to seize the opportunity to reclaim their country and pursue a path of peace and prosperity. He warned that failure to do so would allow Hezbollah to continue using densely populated areas as a battleground, putting civilians at risk.
Qassem, 71, is now a potential candidate to assume the leadership of Hezbollah, having been a serious rival to Safieddine. In his address, he sought to project a defiant tone, insisting that the organization’s military capabilities remain intact despite suffering “painful blows” from the IDF.
The prospect of a ceasefire has sparked speculation about the potential involvement of external actors, with some analysts suggesting that Qassem’s announcement may have been coordinated with Iran. The Iranians are thought to be eager to preserve a semblance of Hezbollah’s strength, which they can rebuild in the future.
Qassem’s statement may also be seen as an overture to the Biden administration, which has been actively seeking to broker a ceasefire and pressure Israel into a more conciliatory stance. The White House has announced plans for regular consultations with Israeli, Lebanese, and other parties to explore the possibility of a ceasefire agreement.
