Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim al-Moussawi commented Thursday on the group’s stance regarding the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, stating that while Hezbollah welcomes any effort to end the war, it does not place its hopes on any particular US administration. The remarks come amid uncertainty surrounding the future of US diplomatic efforts to halt the violence between Israel and Hezbollah, following the recent US elections in which former president Donald Trump reclaimed the White House.
Al-Moussawi noted that although the change in US leadership might bring some shifts in policy, especially concerning Israel, the general approach toward the region remains largely the same. “We want to see actions, not just words,” he said, emphasizing the need for concrete decisions rather than just political rhetoric. He also highlighted the devastating impact of the ongoing Israeli airstrikes, particularly in Lebanon’s Shiite-majority southern and eastern regions, as well as in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Despite the heavy toll on Lebanon, al-Moussawi asserted that Hezbollah’s military capabilities remain intact and ready to continue its resistance against Israel. He lamented the loss of life, stating, “Our hearts are broken – we are losing very dear lives. This feeling that [Israel] cannot be punished or brought to international justice is a result of US support, which renders them immune to accountability.”
These comments come at a time when French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot suggested that the election of Trump might create conditions for ending the wars in both Lebanon and Gaza. He pointed to the significant tactical successes achieved by Israel in recent months, including the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, as factors that could pave the way for a diplomatic solution. Barrot also expressed optimism that the election of a new US president, who has previously voiced his intention to end the “interminable wars” in the Middle East, could lead to renewed efforts for peace in the region.
On the ground, Israel has intensified its operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, aiming to secure the return of displaced civilians to northern Israel. Tensions have escalated since the beginning of the war in Gaza in October 2023, with Hezbollah launching near-daily attacks on Israeli military and civilian targets along the border. These attacks, in support of Gaza, have resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
The death toll from Hezbollah’s cross-border attacks has reached 41 Israeli civilians, while 62 IDF soldiers have been killed. The group has also reported over 500 of its own members killed in the fighting. Meanwhile, the broader conflict has claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians and fighters in Lebanon, with estimates of approximately 3,000 Hezbollah operatives killed in action since the onset of hostilities.
With mounting casualties and increasing calls for diplomatic intervention, the international community continues to watch closely as efforts to broker a ceasefire remain uncertain.