Hezbollah’s deputy chief, Naim Qassem, made a resolute statement on Friday, asserting the group’s unwavering commitment to participate in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, rejecting calls from influential international players and Arab nations to remain on the sidelines.
Addressing a gathering of supporters in the southern Beirut suburb, Qassem emphasized Hezbollah’s readiness to engage in the fight.
He dismissed behind-the-scenes appeals from great powers, Arab countries, and United Nations envoys, emphasizing that these pleas would not deter Hezbollah’s determination.
Qassem stated confidently, “Hezbollah knows its duties perfectly well. We are prepared and ready, fully ready.”
In the past week, Hezbollah has engaged in multiple clashes with Israel along the Lebanese border, marking the deadliest confrontations since the month-long war in 2006.
These skirmishes followed Palestinian faction Hamas’s attacks on Israeli towns and Israel’s retaliatory strikes in the Gaza Strip.
However, sources suggest that Hezbollah has carefully planned its actions to limit the scope of the conflict, preventing it from spilling over into Lebanon while keeping Israeli forces engaged.
Qassem addressed the looming question of Hezbollah’s role in the conflict, assuring that they would contribute according to their strategic plan.
He stated, “We will contribute to the confrontation within our plan… when the time comes for any action, we will carry it out.”
Qassem’s remarks were made during a rally where hundreds gathered in solidarity with Palestinians, brandishing the flags of Palestine and Hezbollah.
Similar rallies were organized in Palestinian camps and cities across southern and eastern Lebanon, areas where Hezbollah maintains a strong presence.
Fearing potential border crossings by breakaway groups, the Lebanese army deployed units in the southern regions.
Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, has not yet commented on the recent developments.
However, he met with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian on Friday morning to discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Amirabdollahian had previously stated that Iran’s regional allies would respond to Israeli actions against Palestinians, warning that Israel would bear the consequences of its actions.