![\"Israel](\"https:\/\/www.tampafp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Beirut.jpeg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>Hezbollah officials continue to downplay the effectiveness of Israeli ground operations in Lebanon, asserting that Israel has failed to meet its objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During a press conference in Beirut on November 11, Mohammad Afif, head of Hezbollah\u2019s media office, claimed that Israeli forces have been unable to secure control over any Lebanese villages. He also rejected recent Israeli statements that 80 percent of Hezbollah’s rocket stockpiles have been destroyed, insisting that Hezbollah is prepared to \u201coutlast\u201d Israel in a prolonged conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
READ: Hezbollah Fires Over 165 Rockets At Northern Israel, Injuring 7, Including Toddler<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Afif\u2019s remarks echo similar statements made by Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem, who exaggerated the scale of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) casualties and damage inflicted by Hezbollah. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Both officials appear to be presenting an inflated narrative to obscure the challenges Hezbollah\u2019s military forces are facing in Lebanon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Afif also underscored Hezbollah\u2019s close relationship with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), describing their bond as \u201cstrong and solid.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n READ: Hezbollah Threats Persist In Northern Israel Despite Major IDF Strikes, Depleted Stockpiles<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This comes in light of a leaked U.S.-proposed ceasefire draft, which suggests that the LAF would be responsible for disarming Hezbollah if a ceasefire with Israel is implemented. Afif praised Lebanese soldiers killed in recent Israeli airstrikes as \u201cheroes\u201d and \u201cmartyrs,\u201d while condemning any attempts to create divisions between Hezbollah and the LAF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The statements may be a response to growing concerns over tensions between Hezbollah and the LAF, particularly after Qassem\u2019s implied threats against the LAF on November 6, where he accused them of allowing an Israeli naval raid near Batroun, northern Lebanon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n READ: Iraqi Militias Threaten US Bases In Response To Potential Israeli Strikes<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Afif\u2019s comments appear aimed at mending ties with the LAF, a critical player in the enforcement of any potential disarmament agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to leaked documents from late October, the success of a proposed ceasefire hinges on Hezbollah\u2019s willingness to cooperate with the LAF. The current public show of solidarity by Hezbollah officials could be an effort to maintain their alliance with the Lebanese military, especially as discussions around disarmament and withdrawal gain traction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism<\/a>. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Android Users:<\/strong> Download our free app to stay<\/a> up-to-date on the latest news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Connect with us:<\/strong> Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a> for breaking news and updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n