Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif dismissed reports of a ceasefire proposal, stating that the terror group has sufficient weapons and supplies to sustain a prolonged conflict with Israel. Afif criticized Israeli forces for failing to control territory in southern Lebanon after six weeks of ground invasion, particularly highlighting what he claimed was a failed Israeli attempt to enter the town of Khiam.

Despite Hezbollah’s claims, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have captured several villages near the border during their ground offensive. The IDF’s goal is to eliminate Hezbollah’s infrastructure in these areas and prevent future incursions into Israel. Afif also rejected Israeli assertions that Hezbollah had lost most of its missile capabilities, pointing to the continued rocket and missile fire into central Israel.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, escalated in September with Israeli airstrikes killing Hezbollah’s top leadership. Israel aims to push Hezbollah further from its northern border to allow tens of thousands of Israelis to return to their homes.