Hezbollah Leader Nasrallah to Make First Public Comments Since Hamas-Israel Conflict
Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah will deliver a speech on Friday, marking his first public comments since the recent war between Palestinian group Hamas and Israel. Nasrallah’s speech is anticipated to provide insight into how Hezbollah’s role in the conflict may evolve.
Hezbollah, a powerful military force supported by Iran, has been engaged in clashes with Israeli forces along the border. This escalation has resulted in the death of 50 Hezbollah fighters, making it the deadliest confrontation since the 2006 war with Israel.
Although the clashes have largely remained confined to the border, Hezbollah has only utilized a fraction of its firepower, which Nasrallah has been threatening Israel with for years.
In Lebanon, many people are anxiously waiting for Nasrallah’s speech at 3 p.m. local time. These individuals have been living in fear of a catastrophic conflict and have refrained from making plans beyond Friday, as they believe Nasrallah’s remarks will indicate the chances of escalation.
Nasrallah’s speech has garnered wider attention as well. He is a prominent figure within the regional military alliance known as the “Axis of Resistance,” established by Iran to counter the United States and Israel. This alliance includes Shi’ite Iraqi militias that have been targeting U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq, as well as Yemen’s Houthis, who have fired drones at Israel.
Nasrallah, recognized for his oratory skills, wears the black turban of a sayyed, signifying his descent from the Prophet Mohammad, and Shi’ite clerical robes. He is considered one of the most prominent figures in the Arab world and his speeches are closely followed by both supporters and adversaries. The United States, among others, considers him a terrorist.
During the 2006 war, Nasrallah’s fiery speeches elevated his profile. In one notable address, he announced that Hezbollah had struck an Israeli naval vessel with an anti-ship missile, urging viewers to “look to the sea.”
While Nasrallah has remained out of the public eye since October 7, other Hezbollah officials have indicated the group’s combat readiness. However, they have not established any red lines in the conflict with Israel.
When asked why Nasrallah had not spoken publicly since October 22, Hezbollah politician Hassan Fadlallah stated that Nasrallah was closely monitoring the situation in Gaza and overseeing the battle in Lebanon. Fadlallah emphasized that Nasrallah’s decision to stay out of the public eye was part of his strategic management of the conflict.
Nasrallah’s speech will coincide with rallies organized by Hezbollah to honor fallen fighters. Both Israel and Hezbollah have refrained from engaging in full-scale war along the Lebanese-Israeli border since 2006 due to mutual threats of destruction. Instead, Syria has become the battleground for their conflict.
Sources familiar with Hezbollah’s thinking suggest that the group’s attacks thus far have been measured to avoid a significant escalation, while keeping Israeli forces occupied at the border.
Lebanon is ill-prepared for another war with Israel, as many Lebanese are still grappling with the consequences of a devastating financial collapse that occurred four years ago.
Israel has stated its lack of interest in a conflict on its northern frontier with Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hezbollah against opening a second war front, emphasizing that doing so would invite Israeli counter-strikes of unimaginable magnitude, resulting in devastation for Lebanon.
