Hezbollah chief says reviewed ceasefire proposal, awaits Israel’s response

BEIRUT, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) — Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem said Wednesday that Hezbollah has included its remarks on the U.S. draft proposal for a ceasefire in Lebanon, which aligns with those of the Lebanese government, and that the decision is now in Israel’s hands.
“Hezbollah has decided not to talk publicly about its notes,” Qassem said in a televised speech.
However, Qassem assured that Hezbollah’s conditions for reaching a ceasefire are to stop the Israeli “aggression” against Lebanon and ensure the protection of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
“Israeli forces cannot enter Lebanon and kill under different pretexts, and our country must be protected,” Qassem said.
The success of the ongoing U.S.-led negotiations with Israel depends on the Israeli response and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “seriousness,” he said. “Israel cannot impose its conditions on us.”
“We are working on two tracks: the battlefield and negotiations, and we will not suspend the battlefield as we wait for the negotiations,” he said, noting that Hezbollah has prepared for a long war.
Hezbollah would attack central Tel Aviv if Israel attacks Beirut, he said, adding that regarding southern Lebanon, Hezbollah will rather fight the Israeli army “after it enters.”
Qassem said that following the war, Hezbollah will take part in Lebanon’s reconstruction in partnership with the government and friendly countries, and will contribute to electing a new president for Lebanon.
Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said any ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah must preserve Israel’s “freedom of action” in Lebanon, hours before the expected arrival of U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein for talks aimed at ending the yearlong cross-border conflict.
Hochstein had just concluded two days of meetings in Beirut with key officials, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who is endorsed by Hezbollah to negotiate on their behalf. The envoy reported “additional progress” in the talks.
Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has intensified its airstrikes on Lebanon in an escalation of conflict with Hezbollah. In early October, Israel initiated a ground operation across its northern border into Lebanon. ■