Hezbollah chief signals conditional support for US-brokered ceasefire

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem has announced that his group reviewed a US-drafted proposal for a ceasefire with Israel and provided feedback through indirect negotiations led by Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri. 

In a televised address on November 20, Qassem confirmed that the US envoy Amos Hochstein had discussed the proposal in detail during two recent meetings with Berri in Beirut, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

In his pre-recorded remarks, Qassem emphasized Hezbollah's conditional acceptance of the negotiation framework, stating that the group supported Berri’s mediation efforts. However, he warned that Hezbollah would reject any scenario allowing Israel to breach Lebanese sovereignty post-truce.

"Any strikes on central Beirut will prompt Hezbollah to target Tel Aviv," Qassem stated, referencing recent missile exchanges following deadly Israeli bombardments in Beirut.

The conflict, now in its second year, has claimed over 3,500 lives, predominantly in the last two months, with widespread destruction in southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut. The escalating violence has raised international pressure for a ceasefire as US diplomacy intensifies.

Qassem also highlighted Hezbollah's commitment to Lebanon's reconstruction post-ceasefire, pledging the group’s active participation alongside the Lebanese state.

Additionally, he reaffirmed Hezbollah’s political influence in Lebanon, including its role in resolving the country’s prolonged presidential vacuum, which has persisted for over two years.

The path to a ceasefire now hinges on Israel’s response to the proposed terms and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s "seriousness" in pursuing peace, Qassem said, as Hezbollah continues its dual strategy of negotiation and military engagement.

The conflict has drawn increasing international concern, with diplomatic efforts ramping up to prevent further escalation.

By Khagan Isayev