Qassem Says Trump and Netanyahu Election Setbacks Favor Hezbollah

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said on Wednesday evening, November 11, that electoral setbacks for Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu could benefit Lebanon and his movement. Speaking at Hezbollah’s Martyr’s Day rally, he claimed that Iran and armed groups aligned with it had helped bring about those setbacks. Qassem portrayed the U.S. election outcome as a major regional change and argued that Iran would remain central to shaping the region’s future. He urged Lebanese authorities to fund the Lebanese Army through the state budget and reject foreign assistance carrying conditions. He also maintained Hezbollah’s opposition to surrendering its weapons while Israeli troops remain in Lebanon. Qassem listed an end to Israeli attacks, withdrawal of Israeli forces, the return of residents to southern Lebanon and reconstruction among his immediate priorities. He again called for Lebanon to leave its framework agreement with Israel, alleging that it gave Israel concessions without securing corresponding gains for Lebanon. Israel has described its military presence along the border as necessary to protect northern communities. On March 9, following a Jerusalem meeting with UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Hezbollah had entered the war under Iranian pressure and against Lebanon’s interests. He said Israeli troops were needed to prevent Hezbollah ground incursions and attacks on Israeli communities, and described weakening Hezbollah as a shared Israeli and Lebanese interest.