Hezbollah Secretary General, Sheikh Naeem Qassem, affirmed that supporting Gaza is both a noble and essential duty, not only for the group but for the entire Arab and Muslim world, stressing that when others failed to fulfill their responsibilities, the Zionists escalated their aggression, emboldening their tyranny.
In a televised speech via Al-Manar, Sheikh Qassem noted that Hezbollah had expected an Israeli attack on Lebanon, though the timing was unknown. He emphasized that the aggression, which began before Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and continued afterward, was unrelated to Gaza’s support. The Israeli attack, he explained, was part of their expansionist agenda, aiming to eliminate any resistance that stands in the way of their regional ambitions.
“During this war, the Israeli occupation forces claimed the lives of key Hezbollah leaders, including the late martyr Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah, along with several other commanders and fighters. They also breached communication networks and detonated pagers and telecom lines, at a great cost in terms of lives and suffering. However, despite these operations, the enemy failed to achieve its objectives, instead resorting to barbaric attacks on civilians, villages, homes, and innocent children and women,” Sheikh Naim explained.
Sheikh Qassem emphasized that the Israeli enemy’s crimes were aimed at breaking the resistance, but despite immense sacrifices, they failed.
“Israeli crimes are not achievements; Hezbollah’s resistance successfully thwarted the enemy’s efforts to destroy and crush it,” he asserted.
He highlighted that the enemy had repeatedly stated its intent to eliminate Hezbollah, but the resistance fighters halted their advances.
“Hezbollah’s missiles struck deep into Israeli territory, inflicting significant damage and displacing nearly 200,000 settlers. The resistance killed hundreds of Israeli soldiers, wounded many more, and caused extensive economic and social damage across the occupied territories,” his eminence explained.
Sheikh Qassem praised the resilience of the people who made tremendous sacrifices to protect the resistance, referring to them as “brave heroes” who viewed resistance as their sole and vital option in this struggle.
“Thank God, we achieved a true divine victory in this confrontation. The Israeli enemy recognized that its path to defeating Hezbollah’s resistance is blocked, prompting it to seek a ceasefire agreement.”
Israeli Enemy Pursued Ceasefire, Lebanese Government Tasked with Overseeing Violations
Sheikh Naim Qassem revealed that the ceasefire agreement was brokered by Hochstein, with both the Israeli occupation and the U.S. in agreement. The agreement was then presented to the Lebanese state, including Speaker Nabih Berri. Despite observations from both President Berri and Hezbollah, necessary adjustments were made, and the agreement was finalized with his involvement.
Sheikh Qassem highlighted three factors that led the enemy to seek the agreement: the resistance’s steadfastness in the field, the sacrifices of martyrs, and effective political and military leadership.
“We assess that the resistance won because the enemy failed to achieve its central goal of destroying Hezbollah. It couldn’t return the settlers without an agreement, nor could it enter the ‘new Middle East’ through Lebanon. We blocked its path,” Sheikh Qassem stated.
He clarified that the agreement aimed at halting the aggression, not ending the resistance. The deal is an executive one based on Resolution 1701, focusing solely on the area south of the Litani River, where Israel must withdraw and the Lebanese army will deploy as the sole armed authority, ensuring no militants or weapons remain in the region.
Sheikh Qassem affirmed that the agreement does not address internal Lebanese issues, including the resistance’s relationship with the state, the military, or the presence of weapons, all of which require separate dialogue.
“We have tolerated hundreds of Israeli violations to facilitate the implementation of the agreement and expose the Israeli enemy. The Lebanese government is responsible for preventing Israeli violations, and the committee tasked with overseeing the agreement must ensure its implementation. Hezbollah will monitor developments and act according to what we deem necessary for the best interest,” his eminence stated.
Resistance Legitimacy Stems from Belief in Its Cause
Hezbollah’s Secretary General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, stated that the resistance is rooted in faith in God, freedom, dignity, and the defense of justice, land, and country. This belief is supported by preparation, both in terms of weaponry and capabilities, to protect it from adversaries.
“The resistance does not win by a decisive strike; it wins through persistence,” he noted, adding that it may endure for 10 or even 50 years.
Sheikh Qassem explained that the resistance faces victories and setbacks, a natural part of its struggle. What matters is its continuity, remaining steadfast in the field despite limited resources.
“Sacrifices made by the resistance do not indicate defeat; they are the price for its survival. These sacrifices shape the resistance’s strength,” his eminence affirmed.
Resistance Continues, Adapting to Each Stage
Regarding Hezbollah’s next phase, Sheikh Qassem stressed that the resistance is ongoing, with each stage requiring distinct methods and approaches. He emphasized the importance of the resistance’s continuity while acknowledging that strategies must evolve to suit each phase, and this is what Hezbollah will focus on.
He noted that all Lebanese who supported, wished for, or stood against the Israeli enemy—whether by sheltering or backing the resistance—are partners in its victory. Without the resilience of the resistance on the frontlines, Israel would have reached Beirut, leading to further steps like settlement, naturalization, and undermining Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Sheikh Qassem warned of the expansionist nature of the Israeli enemy and emphasized the necessity of continued resistance. He praised the Lebanese army, which paid a heavy price with the lives of many martyrs in defense of Lebanon, and commended the Lebanese people’s unity and cooperation in achieving this result.
He added that Hezbollah is strong, recovering from its wounds, and continues to resist. Lebanon’s strength lies in its army, people, and resistance, which together prevent division and preserve Lebanon’s unity.
Source: Al-Manar Website
