Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem has issued a stern warning, stating that the group’s “patience may run out” as tensions persist despite the ceasefire agreement with Israel.

“There is no timetable that dictates the resistance’s actions, and our patience is tied to the appropriate timing to confront the enemy,” Qassem said during a televised speech commemorating the anniversaries of Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis’ assassinations.

“Our patience may run out before or after the 60-day period, at a moment of our choosing, and you will witness our response directly. So don’t waste your time speculating,” he added.

The ceasefire, established after two months of hostilities between September and November 2024, requires Israel to withdraw entirely from Lebanon by the end of January. The Lebanese army is tasked with securing the border and preventing Hezbollah from reestablishing a presence near Israel.

The truce followed a brutal offensive in which Israel significantly weakened Hezbollah’s leadership and military capabilities, including the death of former chief Hassan Nasrallah. Nevertheless, Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah’s resistance prevented Israel from achieving significant territorial gains.

“In the past, Israel reached Beirut within days, but during the 2024 aggression, it failed to advance more than a few hundred meters at the frontline,” Qassem said. “The resistance fighters held their ground, and the enemy was forced to request a ceasefire because of our capabilities. We accepted it through the Lebanese state.”

Qassem clarified that the ceasefire applies only to areas south of the Litani River. It mandates Israel’s withdrawal and obliges the Lebanese government to work with international mediators to ensure adherence to the agreement. He credited Hezbollah’s role in averting chaos in Lebanon, comparing it to the devastation seen in Syria’s post-conflict era.

He reiterated Hezbollah’s dedication to the “path of resistance,” which he described as vital for “liberating the land, protecting sovereignty, and supporting Palestine against expansionist occupation.”

Addressing Lebanon’s ongoing presidential impasse, Qassem called for collaboration among parliamentary blocs.

“As Hezbollah, we are committed to electing a president through cooperation and understanding in open parliamentary sessions. This consensus is a valuable opportunity to turn the page toward positivity in Lebanon,” he said.

“Those relying on foreign intervention cannot impose their will. We aim to achieve success on January 9 by electing a new president for a positive, cooperative phase that will lead to stability.”

Qassem also underscored the importance of fostering national unity and strengthening internal cooperation to rebuild Lebanon.

“We are committed to contributing to Lebanon’s progress and reconstruction through collaboration and collective efforts,” he concluded.