Israel Hezbollah chief: Have examined US proposal for ceasefire

According to its leader Naim Kassim, the Lebanese Hezbollah militia has examined the US proposal for a ceasefire with Israel and made comments on it. However, Hezbollah would not agree to a ceasefire that violated Lebanon's sovereignty, Kassim said in a televised speech.

He was referring to a controversial point reportedly included in the current draft, which explicitly grants Israel the right to self-defense.

Kassim confirmed that negotiations on a ceasefire were underway, but also made it clear that the militia would not suspend its attacks during the ongoing talks. "We will remain in the field, regardless of the price," said Kassim. The success of the negotiations now depended on Israel's response and the "seriousness" of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

It is unclear where Kassim is. He has made several speeches since the killing of his predecessor Hassan Nasrallah at the end of September and was appointed the new leader of Hezbollah three weeks ago.

SDA