Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has vowed that the Lebanese armed group reserves the right to respond to Israel’s recent assassination of its top military commander, Haytham Ali Tabtabai, in a strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs last week. The killing has escalated tensions in the region and raised concerns over a potential military confrontation between Hezbollah and Israel.

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Hezbollah Condemns Israel’s Targeted Strike

In a televised address on Friday, Naim Qassem described the assassination as “a blatant aggression and a heinous crime.” He emphasized that Hezbollah has the authority and obligation to respond, stating:

“We have the right to respond, and we will determine the timing for that.”

Qassem’s remarks come amid heightened regional tension following a period of relative calm in Beirut, signaling that the possibility of renewed conflict cannot be ruled out.

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The Possibility of War Remains

Addressing concerns about a potential war, Qassem said:

“Do you expect a war later? It’s possible, sometime. Yes, this possibility is there, and the possibility of no war is also there.”

While he did not detail Hezbollah’s specific plans, Qassem urged Lebanon to prepare a comprehensive defense strategy against Israel, one that would leverage both the Lebanese army and the local population.

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Tabtabai’s Role in Hezbollah

Haytham Ali Tabtabai, the commander killed in last week’s strike, was meeting with four aides to coordinate future actions when the Israeli strike hit, according to Qassem. Tabtabai was considered a high-ranking figure in Hezbollah’s military hierarchy and played a crucial role in operational planning.

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International Reactions and Calls for Peace

Qassem also expressed hope that Pope Leo’s upcoming visit to Lebanon could contribute to peace efforts and help end ongoing Israeli aggression. He stressed that Hezbollah had fully respected the November 2024 ceasefire, which had previously ended over a year of fighting with Israel.

However, he called for an end to continuous Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese territory.

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Israel’s Response to Hezbollah

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee criticized Lebanon’s military efforts to curb Hezbollah’s arsenal, claiming the Lebanese army’s measures were insufficient. Adraee said:

“Hezbollah continues to manipulate them and work covertly to maintain its arsenal.”

Despite this, Hezbollah has stated that it will not disarm as long as Israel continues its attacks and maintains a military presence at five locations in southern Lebanon.

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Recent Escalation of Violence

Israel has conducted near-daily strikes across southern Lebanon and Beirut in recent weeks. Prior to last week’s assassination, the Lebanese capital had largely avoided direct attacks for several months.

In a separate airstrike, at least 13 civilians were killed in a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, underscoring the ongoing humanitarian impact of the conflict.

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What’s Next?

With Hezbollah now vowing retaliation and Israel maintaining aggressive military operations, analysts warn that the situation could quickly escalate into a broader regional conflict. Observers are closely watching Lebanon’s response, as well as international diplomatic efforts, including the potential role of Pope Leo’s visit.