BEIRUT (Reuters) – Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah is set to deliver his first public address since the recent conflict between Hamas and Israel. Analysts will closely analyze his speech for insights into how Hezbollah’s role in the conflict may evolve.
Hezbollah, a powerful military force supported by Iran, has been engaging Israeli forces along the border. The deadliest escalation since the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel has resulted in the death of 50 Hezbollah fighters.
The group claimed responsibility for 19 simultaneous strikes on Israeli army positions on Thursday, utilizing guided missiles, artillery, and other weapons. These strikes coincided with the deployment of two explosive drones.
Israel responded by launching air strikes, as well as tank and artillery fire, to address the escalating border clashes.
Despite this, Hezbollah has yet to fully unleash the firepower it has long threatened to use against Israel. The situation on the frontier has contained most of the clashes.
Lebanese citizens are anxiously awaiting Nasrallah’s speech, with many refraining from making plans beyond Friday. They believe his remarks will indicate whether the chances of further escalation are high.
Nasrallah’s speech has also garnered widespread anticipation due to his role in the “Axis of Resistance,” a regional military alliance established by Iran to counter the United States and Israel. This alliance includes Shi’ite Muslim Iraqi militias and Yemen’s Houthis, who have engaged in hostilities with Israel.
Nasrallah, distinguished by his black turban as a sayyed and Shi’ite clerical robes, is one of the Arab world’s most notable figures. Even his critics recognize his skill as an orator. His speeches are closely followed by both friend and foe. The United States considers him a terrorist.
During the 2006 war, Nasrallah’s fiery speeches raised his profile. In one memorable instance, he revealed that Hezbollah had attacked an Israeli naval vessel with an anti-ship missile and urged viewers to “look to the sea.”
While Nasrallah has remained out of the public eye since October 7th, other Hezbollah officials have indicated the group’s combat readiness. However, no clear red lines have been set in the conflict with Israel.
In response to the question of why Nasrallah has not spoken, Hezbollah politician Hassan Fadlallah stated that Nasrallah is closely monitoring the situation in Gaza and overseeing the battle in Lebanon. Not speaking in public is part of Nasrallah’s strategic management of the conflict.
The speech will be broadcasted simultaneously with Hezbollah rallies honoring fallen fighters.
Mutual threats of destruction have prevented Israel and Hezbollah from engaging in war across the Lebanese-Israeli frontier since 2006. Syria has often 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 also keeping Israeli forces occupied at the border.
Lebanon cannot afford another conflict with Israel, as many Lebanese are still reeling from the devastating financial collapse that occurred four years ago.
Israel has expressed no interest in a conflict on its northern border with Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hezbollah against opening a second front, emphasizing that it would result in Israeli counter-strikes of unprecedented magnitude that would devastate Lebanon.
(Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Angus MacSwan, William Maclean)
