Newly elected Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem affirmed that the armed Lebanese group would continue its stance against Israel, pledging to maintain a war-focused agenda.

According to Reuters, Qassem, speaking in his first statement since his election on Oct. 29, emphasized that he would follow the agenda set by his predecessor, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Lebanese capital in September.

"We will continue our war plan within the established political frameworks and remain on the path of resistance," Qassem stated in a pre-recorded televised address from an undisclosed location. He added, “If the Israelis decide to halt their aggression, we would accept it—on conditions we find suitable.”

He underscored Hezbollah’s commitment to continue fighting, saying, “We will not plead for a ceasefire...we are prepared to persist, regardless of the duration."

Qassem’s speech comes as international mediators intensify efforts to broker cease-fires in Lebanon and Gaza. He acknowledged recent setbacks, including targeted explosions in September that injured Hezbollah members and the loss of Nasrallah, noting that while these blows "hurt" the group, Hezbollah managed to reorganize its ranks within eight days after Nasrallah’s death.

According to Iranian media, Qassem reiterated Iran's unwavering support, highlighting that "Iran backs our cause without conditions, and we fight solely for Lebanon, not as proxies for others."

“Hezbollah’s capabilities remain intact and prepared for a prolonged war,” he declared, pointing to recent casualties among Israeli forces in southern Lebanon since Israel's ground invasion on Oct. 1. He also referenced a Hezbollah-launched drone that struck the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although Netanyahu was uninjured.

Qassem confirmed Hezbollah’s coordination with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who is Lebanon's main link with U.S. intermediaries seeking an end to the hostilities. “So far, no proposal has been put forth that Israel supports and that we deem acceptable for negotiation,” Qassem noted.