Hezbollah Leader Vows to Continue Efforts to Free Prisoners in Anniversary Speech

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem delivered a 36-minute speech marking the anniversary of the 2006 Lebanon War. Qassem stated the war "ended with the defeat of the Israeli enemy" and justified the 2006 soldier abduction as necessary to free prisoners. He concluded by telling supporters: "We ask you to contain your anger. Its time will come, and it may erupt. We will not abandon our prisoners. We will continue to demand their release and to act for their release." The statement suggests Hezbollah remains willing to abduct Israeli soldiers to secure prisoner exchanges.