Hezbollah’s new leader, Naim Qassem, indicated on Wednesday that the group would consider a ceasefire if specific conditions are met, even as Israel continues heavy bombardment of Hezbollah-held territories in Lebanon. This announcement follows the recent death of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and comes as Israel’s security cabinet deliberates over possible truce terms.
Qassem, speaking with Al-Jadeed, reaffirmed Hezbollah’s readiness to sustain resistance against Israeli offensives. He also acknowledged, however, that the group might agree to a ceasefire if Israel proposes a credible peace offer. “If the Israelis choose to end the aggression, we are open to acceptance, under terms we deem appropriate,” he stated.
Israeli forces have ramped up operations against Hezbollah strongholds, with recent strikes in the eastern city of Baalbek killing a senior Hezbollah commander and leaving 19 civilians dead, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati voiced “cautious optimism” about the prospect of a truce, noting that US envoy Amos Hochstein suggested an agreement might be reached before the US elections on November 5. Meanwhile, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen confirmed that the security cabinet is exploring a potential 60-day ceasefire proposal, contingent on Hezbollah’s pullback from border areas.
With escalating violence in Baalbek, Israeli military officials confirmed they were specifically targeting Hezbollah command centers. Hostilities have resulted in significant casualties on both sides; an AFP tally reports at least 1,754 Lebanese deaths since the conflict reignited in September.
On the diplomatic front, the US State Department announced that President Biden’s Middle East adviser, along with Hochstein, is en route to Israel to advance negotiations for ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza. This follows intensified strikes in Gaza that have prompted widespread international concern. As the violence continues, the potential for a ceasefire remains uncertain, but diplomatic efforts are gaining momentum.
