Hezbollah’s acting leader, Naim Kassem, declared the group’s readiness to continue fighting Israel despite the recent death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and several senior commanders in Israeli airstrikes. In the past two weeks, Israeli military operations have targeted numerous Hezbollah sites across Lebanon, killing more than 1,000 people, including women and children.
Kassem reassured supporters that the group’s military strength remains intact, with replacements already in place for the fallen commanders. He emphasized that Hezbollah is prepared for a prolonged confrontation, especially if Israel launches a ground offensive.
Israeli airstrikes have escalated, with one of the most significant hitting central Beirut and killing three Palestinian militants. This strike marked a shift in Israel’s strategy, demonstrating that no part of Lebanon is off-limits.
Hezbollah has responded by increasing its rocket and missile attacks on northern Israel, though many have been intercepted. Despite this increased firepower, the group’s actual capabilities are uncertain, as Israel’s attacks have severely impacted its leadership structure.
The conflict has caused significant displacement, with estimates suggesting that up to one million people in Lebanon have been forced to flee their homes. In Israel, tens of thousands of residents in the northern region have also evacuated due to Hezbollah’s rocket fire.
Hezbollah Vows to Continue Resistance Against Israel Despite Leadership Losses in Ongoing Conflict
Hezbollah’s attacks followed Hamas’ October 7 assault on Israel from Gaza, and the group has vowed to continue its strikes in solidarity with Hamas until a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza. The fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified over the last year, showing no signs of de-escalation.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at a possible ground invasion, stating that Israel would use its full military capabilities. Meanwhile, international efforts to broker a ceasefire have been largely unsuccessful.
The U.S. and France have been leading calls for an immediate halt to hostilities, fearing that the conflict could escalate and draw in Iran. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been reluctant to agree to a ceasefire, seeing this as an opportunity to weaken Hezbollah significantly.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati, after meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, reiterated his country’s commitment to a ceasefire and the deployment of Lebanese troops in southern Lebanon, as outlined in a U.N. resolution from 2006 that was never fully enforced.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Hezbollah remains defiant, continuing its attacks and maintaining a posture of resistance, even as its top leadership has been decimated by Israeli strikes.
Hezbollah, long regarded as the most formidable militant group in the region, has faced an unprecedented level of military pressure from Israel.
While the group still possesses a significant arsenal of rockets and missiles, capable of hitting targets deep inside Israel, its leadership has been severely weakened by a series of Israeli intelligence operations and airstrikes. Nevertheless, Hezbollah remains committed to continuing its fight, suggesting that the conflict may stretch on for an extended period.
