Hezbollah says does not care who governs Israel

Hezbollah head Naim Qassem has stated that his Iran-backed Lebanese group is unconcerned with the outcome of Israel's recent election. With 85% of votes counted, the right-wing coalition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a narrow lead over the primary opposition faction, but had not yet achieved a majority.

Speaking in a written statement, Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah is not interested in who leads Israel, but made it clear that the group will not stop fighting the occupation of Lebanese territory. "We do not concern ourselves with who governs Israel, but let it be perfectly clear that it cannot continue its occupation and must leave our land," he said.

Hezbollah maintains that the resistance will persist and stand up against any aggression directed at it or Lebanon. In addition, group leader Qassem ruled out the possibility of disarming Hezbollah as long as the occupation and aggression continue.

The militant group, which once played a dominant role in Lebanese politics, has been weakened by two wars against Israel since 2023. A framework deal signed between Lebanese and Israeli authorities in June called for Hezbollah's disarmament, a phased Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory, and the deployment of the Lebanese military to the area.

However, Israel has continued conducting sporadic strikes and demolitions in and around the occupied territory, while Hezbollah has refused to comply with the government's plans to disarm it.