NAIM QASSEM: Hezbollah’s deputy chief, announced on Tuesday that the group has no objections to holding a formal, public dialogue with Syria’s leadership when the timing is right. This marks a significant shift, as Hezbollah has historically supported Syria’s former regime during the civil war.
During a televised speech, Qassem highlighted the importance of fostering “positive, brotherly, and cooperative relations” between Lebanon and Syria, stressing that there are no obstacles preventing such meetings.
Syria’s current government, which overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s longtime rule, maintains a hostile stance toward Hezbollah, which backed Assad during the 2011 civil war. Prior to the change in Damascus’s leadership in December 2024, Syria served as a critical supply route from Iran to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The new Syrian regime has frequently claimed to have dismantled Hezbollah-affiliated cells and confiscated weapons destined for militants. Hezbollah denies any direct presence within Syria.
In June, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa indicated a willingness to engage with Hezbollah if it benefits Lebanon and Syria’s interests, stating, “If this serves Lebanon’s interests and safeguards Syria’s interests, why not?”
Damascus has emphasized its non-interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, focusing instead on rebuilding economic ties rather than military involvement. The strained relationship between Lebanon and Syria, rooted in decades of Assad family dominance and Syria’s occupation of Lebanon, remains a key issue.
This development follows US President Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions that Syria might become involved in Lebanon’s conflicts against Hezbollah. Recently, Lebanon’s army reported intercepting rockets smuggled from Syria and apprehending two suspects linked to the activity.
