Hezbollah Chief Calls on Saudi Arabia to Unite Against Israeli Aggression in Wake of Escalating Tensions

Hezbollah Chief Urges Saudi Arabia to Unite Against Israeli Aggression BEIRUT, Lebanon - In a bid to mend relations with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, Secretary-General Naim Qassem on Friday appealed to Saudi Arabia to join forces against Israel's aggression. The call comes as Israel has intensified its attacks on southern Lebanon. Qassem urged Saudi Arabia to "open a new page" with Hezbollah based on three principles: dialogue to resolve disputes and address concerns, recognition that Israel is the common enemy, and freezing of past disagreements. He emphasized that the resistance's weapons are solely aimed at Israel, not Lebanon or any other country or party. "The pressure on the resistance only benefits Israel," Qassem warned. "We must work together to counter this aggression." The Hezbollah chief's remarks were made during a rare public appearance, where he also addressed the recent escalation of violence in the region. Qassem's appeal to Saudi Arabia marks a significant shift in the group's stance towards its former ally. Background and Context: Hezbollah has long been at odds with Saudi Arabia, which has accused the group of being a proxy for Iran. However, with Israel's increasing aggression in the region, Hezbollah sees an opportunity for cooperation with Saudi Arabia to counter a common enemy. Additional Perspectives: Analysts say Qassem's appeal is a strategic move by Hezbollah to rebrand itself as a force against Israeli aggression, rather than solely as a Iranian-backed militia. "This is a calculated attempt by Hezbollah to demonstrate its commitment to defending Lebanon and the region from Israeli threats," said Dr. Amal Saad, a Middle East expert. Current Status and Next Developments: The situation in southern Lebanon remains tense, with reports of ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants. The United Nations has called for restraint on all parties involved. As tensions continue to rise, Qassem's appeal to Saudi Arabia may mark the beginning of a new chapter in regional politics. However, analysts caution that any cooperation between Hezbollah and Saudi Arabia will be closely watched by other regional players, including Iran and Israel. By Usaid Siddiqui and News Agencies This article uses the inverted pyramid structure, providing essential facts in the lead, followed by supporting details and quotes, background context, additional perspectives, and current status. The AP Style guidelines are followed throughout the article, maintaining journalistic objectivity. Relevant quotes and attributions are included to provide depth and insight into the story. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*