In a defiant statement, Hezbollah’s acting leader Naim Qassem declared on Monday that the group would continue its fight against Israel, even after losing much of its senior leadership, including its leader Hassan Nasrallah. Hezbollah, known for its powerful military force and its long-standing struggle against Israel, has suffered a series of devastating blows in recent weeks. Israeli airstrikes have killed Nasrallah and several of his top commanders and officials, striking what the Israeli military claims are thousands of militant targets across Lebanon.
Despite these heavy losses, Qassem, speaking from an undisclosed location, emphasized Hezbollah’s resilience and preparedness for a prolonged conflict. He stated that Hezbollah is ready for any eventuality, including a potential ground invasion by Israel. “We will face any possibility and we are ready if the Israelis decide to enter by land and the resistance forces are ready for a ground engagement,” Reuters quoted Qassem as saying.
The conflict has already taken a heavy toll on Lebanon. Over 1,000 people have been killed in the past two weeks, with nearly a quarter of them being women and children, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The escalation of violence has also displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
The recent Israeli strikes have sent a clear message that no part of Lebanon is out of bounds. Early Monday, an airstrike hit a residential building in central Beirut, wiping out one apartment, damaging others, and killing three Palestinian militants.
Despite the significant blows Hezbollah has faced, Qassem asserted that their military capabilities remain intact. He stated that Hezbollah has a “deputy commanders and replacements” for any fallen leaders. He further predicted that “the battle could be long.”
Hezbollah’s military capabilities remain somewhat unclear. While the group has significantly increased its rocket attacks in the past week, most have been intercepted or fallen in open areas. The group has, however, demonstrated its capacity to inflict casualties on Israel, with several people wounded in Israel.
The conflict has become a major source of concern for the international community. The United States and its allies have called for a cease-fire, hoping to prevent further escalation that could draw in Iran and trigger a wider regional war. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shown little interest in de-escalation, emphasizing Israel’s determination to continue fighting until attacks on its citizens cease.
This latest escalation follows the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on October 7th. Hezbollah, a close ally of Hamas and Iran, joined the fight by launching rockets, drones, and missiles into northern Israel. Hezbollah has pledged to continue its attacks in solidarity with the Palestinians until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.
The conflict’s impact on Lebanon has been profound. The Lebanese government estimates that up to a million people have been displaced, although the U.N. puts the figure at around 200,000. Tens of thousands of Israelis have also been displaced.
The international community anxiously watches the escalating conflict, hoping for a resolution to prevent further bloodshed and the potential for a wider regional conflict. The future remains uncertain, with both sides showing no signs of backing down, raising concerns about the possibility of a prolonged and destructive war.
