Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem said today that the Iran-backed group will “inflict pain” on Israel, but also called for a ceasefire as conflict rages between the two sides in southern Lebanon.
Israel has been stepping up pressure on Hezbollah since it began incursions into the region after killing Hezbollah leaders and commanders, including its longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah last month, in the group’s heaviest blow yet.
“The solution is a ceasefire, we are not speaking from a position of weakness, if the Israelis do not want it, we will continue,” said Qassem in a pre-recorded speech.
“After the ceasefire, according to the indirect agreement, the settlers would return to the north of Israel and other steps will be prepared,” he said.
There was no immediate comment from Israel, which says its operation in Lebanon is aimed at securing the return of tens of thousands of residents forced from their homes in northern Israel by Hezbollah attacks.
Qassem said that Hezbollah reserves the right to attack anywhere in Israel, as its enemy has done the same in Lebanon.
He said more Israelis would be displaced and “hundreds of thousands, even more than two million, would be in danger at any time, any hour, any day.”
“We will focus on attacks on the Israeli army, its centers and barracks,” he said.
On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would continue to attack Hezbollah “without mercy, everywhere in Lebanon – including Beirut,” Reuters reported.
