Hezbollah Readies for Ground Combat Amid Escalating Conflict with Israel
Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary General Naim Qassem addressed the ongoing conflict on Monday, asserting that the militant group is fully prepared for a potential ground confrontation with Israel. His remarks come in the wake of a significant bombing campaign initiated by Israel against Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon, which has intensified over the past week.
In a televised speech—the first by a prominent leader since the assassination of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah last Friday—Qassem emphasized that despite the extensive military actions by Israel, the group retains its military capabilities. "The Resistance is prepared for the ground confrontation with the enemy. We are completely ready and will continue," he declared, expressing confidence in Hezbollah’s ability to emerge victorious from the conflict.
Qassem highlighted the escalating violence and mentioned that while the battle might be prolonged, Hezbollah is strategically prepared for various potential outcomes. "If the Israelis decide to enter on land, the Resistance forces are ready for ground combat," he asserted, underlining a commitment to maintain their stance against Israel despite the adversities they face.
He slammed the Israeli military's claims regarding the destruction of Hezbollah's capabilities and pointed out the pervasive effects of the conflict on civilian life in Lebanon. "There is not a single home without traces of aggression," he stated, implicating the United States for its support of Israel both militarily and politically.
Reiterating his message of resilience, Qassem stated, "If God wills, we will emerge victorious just as we emerged victorious in the liberation in 2006 against the Israeli enemy and its aggression," referring to the month-long conflict fought between Israel and Hezbollah that year.
Hezbollah's leadership appears to be rallying its base and reinforcing its narrative of resistance, despite the dire circumstances. As the conflict escalates, both sides face a chaotic situation, with the potential for increased violence looming over the region.
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