Sheikh Ragheb Harb, an esteemed leader within Hezbollah and an illustrious martyr of the resistance, journeyed back to his native Lebanon from the Holy City of Al-Najaf in Iraq in 1974 with a divine calling to carry out benevolent and faith-based endeavors.
His ardent devotion to his people and unwavering commitment to the cause saw him play an instrumental role as one of the founding members and critical backers of the Islamic Resistance in Southern Lebanon and Western Bekaa.
The Resistance was established to counter the Israeli occupation of the region and Sheikh Harb’s indelible contributions have cemented his status as a revered figure among many throughout Lebanon and the wider Middle East.
The Sheikh of the martyrs of the Islamic Resistance was apprehended and incarcerated by Israeli occupation forces in 1983, marking a significant moment in his storied life. He had played an instrumental role in spearheading the resistance against the Israeli occupation since their initial incursion in 1982, and continued to be a key figure until his tragic assassination at the hands of collaborators with the Zionist enemy in his hometown of Jibsheet on February 16, 1984.
Despite the adversity he faced, the martyr’s unwavering commitment to the cause remains an inspiration to those who continue to fight for justice and liberation in the region. His selflessness, sacrifice, and courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds serve as a testament to his enduring legacy as a fearless warrior and compassionate humanitarian.
During his noble years of Jihad, the esteemed Sheikh Harb fervently championed the principle of utilizing armed resistance as a means of countering the pernicious grip of the Zionist occupation. He espoused a steadfast stance that unequivocally rejected any form of reconciliation or diplomacy with the representatives of the enemy, deeming such overtures tantamount to recognition of their existence. The Sheikh’s unwavering adherence to these ideals served as a galvanizing force for the resistance and a source of inspiration to countless individuals who shared his vision for a free, just, and prosperous Lebanon.
The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon has remained steadfast in its rejection of negotiations and peace deals with the Zionist enemy, regardless of the prevailing circumstances. Nevertheless, during a critical juncture in its history, the Egyptian regime made the fateful decision to embark on a path of capitulation.
This was evidenced by its signing of a peace agreement in 1978, which was brokered by the United States of America and served to undermine the shared concerns and causes of the Arab nations, particularly the plight of the Palestinian people.
Based on the Egyptian stance, Sheikh Ragheb Harb anticipated the danger of abandoning the resistance path and normalizing of ties with the Israeli enemy, affirming that normalization will legitimize the illegitimate existence of the occupation entity.
In 1994, Jordan followed in Egypt’s footsteps and signed a so-called ‘peace’ agreement with the Israeli enemy, thereby underscoring the prescience of Sheikh Harb’s warnings against such deals. The Sheikh had long recognized the insidious nature of such arrangements, which served to legitimize and embolden the Zionist entity at the expense of the Arab nations and their shared aspirations for justice and sovereignty.
The catastrophic collapse of the Arab world’s collective resistance to the Zionist occupation was laid bare in 2020, as Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco all concluded normalization agreements with the occupying regime. This betrayal of the Palestinian cause was a stark reminder of the urgent need to adhere to the principles of resistance and to resist the lure of false promises and deceitful rhetoric.
In 2023, the military regime in Sudan expressed a willingness to normalize relations with the Israeli enemy, marking yet another blow to the cause of justice and self-determination in the region.
Regrettably, certain Arab regimes have chosen to abandon the sacred cause of Palestine. However, as Sheikh Harb had long recognized, armed resistance has proven to be an indispensable means of achieving tangible gains and victories.
Indeed, the resistance factions in Lebanon and Palestine have achieved significant milestones in their ongoing struggle against the Zionist occupation. They have liberated the occupied territories in Southern Lebanon, Western Bekaa, and Gaza, demonstrating that the path of resistance can overcome even the most entrenched forms of military aggression and territorial occupation. Notably, the resistance successfully challenged the Israeli military’s arrogant presumption of invincibility in the 2006 war and in numerous other confrontations, proving that steadfastness, courage, and determination can serve as potent weapons against even the most formidable enemies.
Even the Palestinian youths and children have carried out attacks on the Zionist settlers and soldiers in the occupied West Bank, inflicting heavy losses upon them.
Despite the numerous challenges and obstacles it has faced, the Resistance has remained an inspiring beacon of hope for those who yearn for a better world, free from the shackles of oppression and injustice.
In other words on the 39th anniversary of his martyrdom, the Resistance in Lebanon and Palestine has “ridiculed the occupation” as said by Martyr Sheikh Ragheb Harb.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
