Allows Talks Of Ceasefire To Continue, Naim Qassem Says Hezbollah Is Ready For A Long War With Israel

Naim Qassem. (Wikimedia Commons/Sebastian Baryli)

JAKARTA - Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said the group had reviewed America's proposal for a ceasefire, submitted its response through the mediation of Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, and the ball is now in Israeli hands.

In a speech previously recorded, Qassem said they would not disclose their position to the media, but noted, in the group's negotiations two principles: the complete cessation of hostilities, and the preservation of Lebanese sovereignty.

Qassem said it allowed ceasefire talks to continue and observe whether the talks were fruitful.

"Through the agreement, the occupation (Israel) believes that they can get what they haven't achieved on the battlefield, but that's not possible," Qassem said.

Qassem vowed that his group had the means to continue involving the IDF in a long war of atrition, stressing Hezbollah "will pay any price, as the price will also rise for the enemy."

He noted that Israel also negotiated under fire.

"When the enemy does not achieve its goal, it means we have won," he stressed.

Responding to the Lebanese political stalemate, Qassem said the militant group would act in collaboration with other political forces and would "provide its contribution to the new presidential election by Parliament" once the ceasefire was reached.