Trump won’t change US policy on the war, Hezbollah official says

(JNS) Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim al-Moussawi told Reuters on Thursday that while the terrorist group welcomes efforts to end its war with Israel, it isn’t pinning any hopes on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

“When it comes to Israel, they [the Democrats and Republicans] have more or less the same policy,” Moussawi stated. “We want to see actions, we want to see decisions taken,” he added.

The year-long conflict has taken a heavy toll on both countries. Hezbollah began launching near-daily rocket and drone attacks on Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, displacing tens of thousands from the country’s north. Meanwhile, Israeli counter-attacks in Lebanon have destroyed thousands of buildings, particularly in the Shi’ite Muslim-dominated south and east, as well as Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold.

The Lebanese terrorist group has been critical of Washington’s involvement in the conflict to date, with Moussawi asserting on Thursday that, “America is a full partner in what’s happening because they can exercise influence to stop this destruction.” He further emphasized the group’s frustration with what they perceive as Israel’s immunity from international accountability due to U.S. support.

U.S. diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting, including a 60-day ceasefire proposal, failed to gain traction in the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election.

Lebanese-American billionaire Massad Boulos, father-in-law to Trump’s daughter Tiffany, has reportedly claimed that he will be in charge of ceasefire negotiations with Lebanon. According to Lebanese broadcaster Al Jadeed, Boulos stated that Trump aims to end the conflict before taking office in January.

Trump has stated that he also plans to end the wars between Israel and Hamas and between Russia and Ukraine. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters on Wednesday that Trump will be judged with regard to whether or not he fulfills his election promise to end the war in Gaza.

Trump has previously stated that Israel needs to end the war quickly as it is losing a lot of support around the world.

On Wednesday, following Trump’s election victory, Hezbollah fired a rocket barrage toward Trump Heights, a town in the Golan Heights named after the president-elect following his recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019.