Hezbollah deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem said on Monday that his organization is ready for any potential ground operation by Israeli troops, in the first speech by an official of the terror group since its leader was killed. ...

“Despite the losses of its commanders, the attacks against civilians throughout Lebanon, and great sacrifices, we will not budge from our position,” Qassem said in a speech from an undisclosed location in Beirut. “We will continue to support Gaza and to defend Lebanon.”

Qassem, who appeared to be sweating profusely throughout his speech, asserted that Hezbollah will continue in the footsteps of Nasrallah, who led it since 1992.