Hezbollah deputy leader declares group is prepared to counter Israeli ground incursion

In a pre-recorded video speech on Monday, Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, declared that the group is prepared to confront Israeli forces if they initiate a ground incursion into Lebanon.

“We will face any possibility and are prepared if the Israeli decides to enter by land," Qassem stated.

"The resistance forces [Hezbollah] are ready for a ground engagement. We have prepared and are ready," he claimed. 

Qassem said Hezbollah is confident that the Israeli 'enemy' will not achieve its goals, and that Hezbollah will emerge victorious from this battle.

The Hezbollah spokesman also said the Israeli attacks on Hezbollah's leadership and forces over the past two weeks have not weakened the group. The attacks have also not weakened Hezbollah’s resolve to “support Gaza,” according to Qassem. 

“Despite the losses of its commanders, the attacks against civilians throughout Lebanon, and great sacrifices, we will not budge from our position,” the spokesman said. “We will continue to support Gaza and to defend Lebanon.”  

The deputy leader also denied reports that the IDF has destroyed significant amounts of Hezbollah's missile capabilities. 

"What [Israeli] media says, that they have struck most of the medium and long-range capabilities, is a dream that they have not reached," he said. 

Qassem appeared to be uncomfortable and sweating heavily during the speech, as he was seen to wipe his face on several occasions. 

Naim Qassem will forever remember his first speech after the assassination of #Nasrallah as the "Wipe Speech."
In his defense I'll add that it's quite natural to sweat like that when you're afraid that any second you might be eliminated live, (1/2) pic.twitter.com/Ym8Nk2Su03

— Abu Ali Express English (@AbuAliEnglishB1) September 30, 2024

The Hezbollah spokesman also eulogized former Sec.-Gen. Hassan Nasrallah, while stating that it would soon announce his replacement. 

Hizbullah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem following Nasrallah’s Assassination: Hizbullah Is Continuing with Its Goals and Jihad; Israel Will Not Be Able to Harm Our Military Capabilities; We Will Elect a New Secretary-General at the Earliest Opportunity pic.twitter.com/hqh9H9T1c6

— MEMRI (@MEMRIReports) September 30, 2024

Qassem claimed that a recent missile launched from Lebanon, which struck just north of the Israeli town of Ma’ale Adumim, between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, sent a million Israelis fleeing to their bomb shelters. Hezbollah had not previously taken credit for the launch. 

On Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanani said the Iranian regime would not send forces to Lebanon or Gaza to help its proxies in their fight against Israel. 

“There is no need to send extra or volunteer forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Kanani said, claiming that the fighters in those two places “have the capability and strength to defend themselves against the aggression.” 

Speaking to reporters in Tehran, Kanani said Iran had not received any requests for assistance. 

“We have not received any request in this regard from any side, on the contrary, we are informed and are sure that they do not need the help of our forces,” the foreign ministry spokesman said. 

However, Kanani appeared to threaten Iranian retaliation when he said that Israel “will not remain without reprimand and punishment for the crimes it has committed against the Iranian people, military personnel and the resistance forces.” 

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited IDF troops on the northern border early on Monday morning, telling them that Nasrallah’s death is only one step toward returning the Israeli northern residents to their homes. 

“The elimination of Nasrallah is a very important step, but it is not the final one. We will employ all the capabilities at our disposal, and if someone on the other side did not understand what those capabilities entail, we mean all capabilities, and you are part of this effort. We trust you to accomplish every mission at hand.” 

On Monday afternoon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Iranian people directly in a video, stating that Israel’s fight is not against them.

“When Iran is finally free and that moment will come a lot sooner than people think – everything will be different,” Netanyahu promised. “Our two ancient peoples, the Jewish people and the Persian people, will finally be at peace. Our two countries, Israel and Iran, will be at peace.” 

He praised the Iranian people’s resolve and said, “The people of Iran should know – Israel stands with you.”