Hezbollah Secretary-General Announces Readiness to Meet with al-Julani's Administration

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, in his latest appearance, announced that the Lebanese terrorist organization is ready to hold a public meeting with the Syrian leadership at a time convenient for both sides. This announcement comes following statements by the US President that the Syrian regime could deal militarily with Hezbollah if necessary, instead of Israel.

Qassem's announcement came after al-Julani himself stated that he does not oppose sitting down with the terrorist organization at the negotiating table if it serves the interests of Syria and Lebanon. To this, the Hezbollah Secretary-General responded:

"A stable Syria is a pillar for Lebanon, just as a stable Lebanon is a pillar for Syria."

This is an unusual development, as both sides have been fighting each other since 2012. In that same year, Hezbollah entered Syria at the request of Iran to help Assad, and was one of the factors that prevented the dictator's regime from falling earlier. It is important to note that Hezbollah and al-Julani's forces remain enemies, as cells belonging to the terrorist organization have recently attempted to carry out attacks in the Damascus area, according to Saudi media.

Looking at the situation in both countries, it is possible to explain the attempt to overcome the past and reach an agreement. Hezbollah is struggling politically and militarily to regain control of southern Lebanon, while Israel and Lebanon have united against it. Meanwhile, al-Julani aspires to stabilize and build the new state under his leadership, and a military front on the border with Lebanon is something he would prefer to avoid.

The major question that arises is how the supporters of both leaders will receive a potential agreement. Arab media outlets are questioning how al-Julani will explain to his supporters a rapprochement with the terrorist organization that symbolizes for them the dictator Assad who massacred them, and how Naim Qassem's supporters will react to an agreement with an al-Qaeda figure who was involved in the massacre of Shiite Muslims in Iraq in the past.