Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem hailed the electoral losses suffered by United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday. Speaking in a live broadcast to supporters, the chief of the Iran-backed Lebanese movement described the outcome as an opportunity for his group and other adversaries of Washington in the Middle East.
Trump’s Republican Party endured massive defeats in congressional elections. Democrats successfully seized control of Congress, and the US president acknowledged that the military campaign launched against Iran in February played a central role in the electoral setback.
"Today, we have a good opportunity," Qassem told his followers, adding that an earthquake had occurred in America.
The Hezbollah chief argued that the political figure confronting Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, and Yemen had lost. He stated that Trump could no longer continue as before and that the defeat carried positive ramifications for his alliance.
Qassem also turned his attention to Israeli leadership during his address. He claimed that Israeli caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been broken after suffering a political defeat in a recent election.
Netanyahu’s political bloc fell well short of the 61 seats required to maintain power during the October 27 vote. Following that election, the Israeli president tasked rival politician Gadi Eisenkot with attempting to form a new government.
Hezbollah once dominated political life in Lebanon but has faced severe weakening following two separate wars waged against Israel since 2023. The group dragged Lebanon into the wider regional conflict in March by launching attacks against Israel.
The Israeli military responded with heavy airstrikes and a ground invasion. Lebanese authorities report that these military actions have killed more than 4,300 people, while Israeli forces continue to occupy parts of southern Lebanon.
Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement in June under United States auspices. The pact outlines a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces alongside the disarmament of Hezbollah, though implementation has stalled.
Qassem reiterated his firm stance regarding the disarmament process on Wednesday. He stated that he refused to disarm his movement prior to a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
