Qassem says Hezbollah can also inflict 'pain' on Israel

Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem on Tuesday warned Israel that his group can also inflict “pain” at the right “timing,” amid an intensification of Israeli strikes on Hezbollah members and alleged arms depots.

“The enemy can inflict pain upon us, but we are also capable of inflicting pain upon it, and everything has its timing,” Qassem said in a televised speech marking the birth of Imam al-Mahdi.

“Lebanon is no longer required to do anything; what is needed is to pressure the U.S. and Israel to implement the agreement and halt the aggression,” Qassem added, in reference to the second phase of the arms monopolization plan, which is supposed to take place north of the Litani River.

“It is incorrect to say that there is a targeted party, a targeted sect, a targeted south, or specific targeted areas. These attacks are targeting the entire country,” the Hezbollah chief stressed.

He added: “They don't want Israel's security, they rather want to consolidate Israel's occupation.”

Addressing Lebanese officials, Qassem said: “Explain to them that you cannot pressure your people and your country’s residents, because they have offered a lot of sacrifices, martyrs, wounded and captives.”