Oil prices plunge on Hezbollah's unusual mention of 'pause negotiations'...Israel Defense Postpones Visits U.S.

[Anchor]
Hezbollah, a pro-Iranian militant group, has vowed a tenacious resistance, with even the man who was considered the next head of state reportedly killed by Israeli attacks.

At the same time, international oil prices plunged as it gave room for ceasefire negotiations.

I'm connecting you with a reporter. Reporter Park Youngjin!

Hezbollah unusually mentioned its intention to cease fire, is there a change of stance?

[Reporter]
Although Hezbollah has left room for ceasefire negotiations, it is difficult to say that its existing position has changed.

Naim Qasem, Hezbollah's second-in-command, reiterated his will to fight in a speech on the 8th local time, saying, "Israel's claim that it hurt Hezbollah is delusional, and our only solution is to resist and persevere."

On the other hand, he expressed his support for the ceasefire negotiations.

Qasem said all details could be discussed once the ceasefire was reached, leaving open the possibility of negotiations with Israel without preconditions.

In response, the U.S. State Department interpreted it as "Hezbollah's position at a disadvantage."

In the meantime, Israeli media reported that the United States and Arab countries have begun secret talks with Iran for a ceasefire on all fronts in the Middle East.

International oil prices, which have soared due to the escalating crisis in the Middle East, plunged more than 4% as the possibility of a ceasefire negotiations was discussed.

This also contributed to the observation that Israel could strike military intelligence facilities, not Iranian oil facilities.

Earlier, the New York Times (NYT) quoted a key U.S. government official as saying, "Israel is likely to attack Iran's military and intelligence facilities first."

[Anchor]
Israel's defense minister's visit to the U.S. scheduled for the 9th has been postponed?

[Reporter]
At the request of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant, the defense ministers of the two countries were scheduled to meet on the 9th local time.

Israel's retaliation against Iran's missile attacks is expected to be discussed.

However, the U.S. Department of Defense says Gallant has been giving notice of the postponement of the visit by phone.

Israeli local media reported that Netanyahu had informed Gallant by phone that he would not approve Gallant's visit to the U.S. until he spoke with U.S. President Biden.

Netanyahu and Gallant have criticized each other by revealing differences in their perceptions of the goals of the Gaza war, and this is also an extension of that.

In response, opposition leader Gantz criticized Netanyahu's cancellation of the defense minister's visit to the U.S. due to personal and political considerations, saying it would harm national security at a critical time.

I'm Park Youngjin of YTN in the international department.

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video: Joo Hye-min