Qassem declares victory as Trump and Netanyahu face electoral setbacks

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem declared a strategic victory on Wednesday following electoral setbacks for both US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Speaking to supporters during a live broadcast for Martyrs' Day, Qassem characterized the election results as a positive development for his Iran-backed organization. He stated that an earthquake has occurred in America and that the leader confronting Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, and Yemen has lost.

Qassem argued that the outcome means Trump can no longer continue his current approach. The Hezbollah chief noted that while Israel and the United States pursued similar policies, both their top leaders suffered defeats, creating a favorable environment for his group.

The leader also assessed the situation in Israel, claiming Netanyahu has been broken after his coalition lost its parliamentary majority in last month's elections. Qassem asserted that Israel seeks to disarm Lebanon in order to occupy it, and he reiterated that Hezbollah will not surrender its weapons.

The group faces these political shifts after being weakened by two wars against Israel. Hezbollah entered the conflict after launching attacks in solidarity with Hamas following the October 7, 2023, invasion from Gaza. Most recently, the group pulled Lebanon into a war with Iran on March 2 to support its patrons. This action triggered massive Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon. An agreement to end the conflict was reached in June, though sporadic fighting has continued.

Negotiations regarding the ceasefire remain stalled due to Hezbollah's refusal to comply with the terms. The deal requires the Israeli Defense Forces to withdraw from areas of southern Lebanon in parallel with the deployment of the Lebanese army. This withdrawal is to begin in pilot zones under the condition that Hezbollah disarms, a demand the group has rejected.