Naim Qassem, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, spoke on Friday during the World Quds Day, emphasizing that Hezbollah is well-prepared for a long confrontation with Israel. He indicated that the organization has learned from past conflicts and believes that the current conditions favor their strategy to weaken the enemy’s position and push for more favorable agreements. Qassem further stated that Israel lacks a genuine target bank, undermining its military strategy against Lebanon.

Qassem characterized the ongoing conflict as a legitimate defensive battle against what he describes as American-Israeli aggression towards Lebanon, reinforcing Hezbollah's narrative that their actions are defensive rather than offensive. He emphasized that the struggle is inherently Lebanese, rooted in the right to self-defense, and highlighted the continuous Israeli aggression over the past 15 months as a significant motivation for their resistance. By framing their military engagement as a necessity for survival, he sends a strong message about the resolve of Hezbollah amid pervasive external threats.

Finally, Qassem criticized diplomatic efforts that have failed to halt Israeli assault on Lebanon, citing them as ineffective in stopping violence and displacement among civilians. This indicates a shift towards embracing more combative rhetoric and actions, suggesting an escalation in tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. The broader implications of these statements may affect regional stability, especially considering the heightened militarization of both sides and the potential for increased conflict in the area.