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In its first address following the implementation of a ceasefire with Israel, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah on Wednesday proclaimed “victory” in the conflict. The group also asserted that its forces remain vigilant and ready for action, signaling its continued defiance.
“Victory from God almighty was the ally of the righteous cause,” the statement from the Iran-backed group said.
The group asserted that its fighters “will remain on high alert to address the Israeli enemy’s ambitions and assaults,” while the statement carefully refrained from acknowledging the truce or its stipulations.
Israel escalated its conflict with Hezbollah on September 23 by launching a bombing campaign against the group’s positions in Lebanon, later dispatching ground forces. The strikes followed a year-long series of cross-border confrontations, which began with the Iran-backed group’s actions tied to the Gaza war.
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Hezbollah suffered substantial losses during the confrontation with Israel, which included the targeted killing of its iconic leader Hassan Nasrallah and other top officials.
Hezbollah declared in its statement that Israeli troops had been unsuccessful in their “attempts… to occupy and hold any of the towns,” as well as in their bid to block cross-border assaults or create the much-sought military and security buffer zone.
It said Hezbollah fighters targeted Israel “until the last day of the aggression”.
The truce deal requires Hezbollah to pull back north of the Litani River, some 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border with Israel, and dismantle its military infrastructure in south Lebanon.
