Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem said Israel understands only the language of force, according to a report published on August 15, 2026. He made the remarks in a speech marking the anniversary of Hezbollah’s claimed victory over Israel in the 2006 war.

Qassem said the 2006 war began after Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers. He described the stated purpose of that action as securing the release of Lebanese people held in Israeli prisons.

According to Qassem, the capture of the Israeli soldiers came after all communication and diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Lebanese prisoners had failed. He said the step was necessary to fulfill a commitment not to abandon prisoners held in Israeli jails.