In a live televised address on Friday, Hezbollah chief Hasan Nasrallah made significant announcements regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. His speech brought relief to the people of Lebanon, who feared the implications of a broader war. Nasrallah called for a ceasefire in Gaza, expressing that Hamas's attack on southern Israel on October 7 was carried out without Hezbollah or Iran's knowledge.

While stressing that all options were on the table for an intensification of the conflict with Israel if the situation in Gaza worsens, Nasrallah laid blame for the current casualties in Gaza at the feet of the United States. He emphasized that there was a fear of escalation and the possibility of the Lebanese front leading to a broader war, urging the enemy to consider this.

Nasrallah clarified that the war in Lebanon is currently confined to the southern region and reassured viewers that Hezbollah has been engaged since October 8. The Lebanese death toll has reached over 70, mainly comprising Hezbollah fighters, civilians, and one Reuters journalist. Israel has reported the loss of six soldiers and one civilian, while Hezbollah claims to have killed or injured 120 Israeli soldiers.

The anticipation for Nasrallah's speech had left the country anxious about the potential involvement of Lebanon in a wider confrontation with Israel. However, his call for a ceasefire brought temporary relief to the Lebanese population. Nicholas Blanford, an expert based in Beirut, stated that Nasrallah's comments provided reassurance that Lebanon was not plunging into an all-out war. Nasrallah emphasized that the defeat of Israel would require a step-by-step approach rather than a single blow.

Despite efforts from Lebanon's political class, including caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, to avoid a broader war, many believed that the ultimate decision rested with Nasrallah. The announcement of Nasrallah's speech on October 29 had the entire country waiting in anticipation. Shops closed early, traffic was reduced, and people gathered in large crowds across various regions of Lebanon to watch the address, showing Hezbollah's widespread support.

In his speech, Nasrallah discussed the actions taken by Hezbollah along the Blue Line, the border separating Lebanon from Israel. He stated that the current battle held an unprecedented significance, comparing it to the events of 1948 and the July 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. Nasrallah expressed confidence that if Hamas could withstand the Israeli military's assault in Gaza, it would signify a victory for the group, similar to Hezbollah's in 2006. However, he also indicated that an escalation in Gaza would likely affect the Lebanon-Israel border.

Analysts noted that Nasrallah's speech was rational, explaining Hezbollah's activities along the border that diverted Israeli troops from Gaza. While Nasrallah made it clear that Gaza remained the primary front, he did not provide reassurances to the Americans or Israelis regarding an escalation. The situation in the region remains uncertain as both sides navigate the complexities of the ongoing conflict.

Overall, Nasrallah's call for a ceasefire in Gaza and his stance on Lebanon's involvement brought temporary relief to the country, but the potential for escalation and the impact on the Lebanon-Israel border still loom over the region.