Hezbollah chief says Trump's midterm defeat is 'an opportunity'

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem praised President Donald Trump's recent midterm election loss, viewing it as a "good opportunity" for Hezbollah and other opponents of the United States in the region. Trump's Republican Party suffered significant losses in the recent elections, with Democrats gaining control of Congress. The president acknowledged that the U.S.-led war with Iran in February played a role in his party's defeat.

Speaking to supporters, Qassem said, "Today, we have a good opportunity. Trump was defeated in the elections... an earthquake has occurred in America." He asserted that Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, and Yemen had all been "defeated" by this outcome, adding that Trump could no longer "continue as is." Qassem further stated that his defeat carries positive implications for Hezbollah and other regional opponents of the U.S. He also noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been "broken" after his party failed to secure a majority in recent elections.

Hezbollah, which once wielded significant political influence in Lebanon, has suffered setbacks due to its involvement in two wars against Israel. The group's recent attack against Israel in March triggered a broader conflict in the Middle East, resulting in over 4,300 casualties. Despite the ongoing Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon, Lebanon and Israel recently signed a framework agreement for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and the disarmament of Hezbollah, though progress has been slow.

Qassem reiterated on Wednesday that Hezbollah will not disarm before Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon.