Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem outlined key priorities for Lebanon’s revival, emphasizing the urgent need to end Israeli aggression, kickstart reconstruction efforts, and advance the process of state-building.
Urges Broad Participation in Municipal Elections
In a televised speech on Monday via Al-Manar TV, Sheikh Qassem highlighted the importance of the upcoming municipal elections, stressing that “certain political conditions must be met to ensure the elections are held properly and contribute to building a sound state, thereby leading to Lebanon’s revival.”
His Eminence called on municipal candidates to be competent, popular, and interested in public affairs.
He also called on citizens for “strong turnout and active participation” in the elections, emphasizing that this would help drive the country’s development and instill a sense of shared national responsibility.
Ending Israeli Aggression: A Non-Negotiable Priority
Sheikh Qassem asserted that Lebanon’s foremost priority must be ending Israeli aggression, securing a full withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and releasing Lebanese detainees.
“No priority supersedes this. As long as Lebanon remains under threat and Israeli occupation forces occupy its land, genuine state-building is impossible. Pressures will persist day and night,” His Eminence stressed.
Calls for Stronger Government Response
Sheikh Qassem revealed that a ceasefire agreement, brokered indirectly between Lebanon and the Israeli occupation entity, had come into effect on November 26, 2024. Hezbollah, he noted, had fully complied with the terms of the deal, facilitating the deployment of the Lebanese Army south of the Litani River without any breaches.
“In contrast, the Israeli enemy has violated the ceasefire over 3,000 times. Even France has acknowledged this, while the United States remains complicit, offering the enemy political cover for its continuous aggressions,” His Eminence highlighted.
Questioning how Lebanon should address these violations, Sheikh Qassem urged the Lebanese state to adopt a firmer, daily diplomatic stance.
“We handed over the responsibility to the state to negotiate and to use the army to fulfill its duties. However, the pressure exerted by the state so far has been minimal,” His Eminence said.
Sheikh Qassem called on the Lebanese government to “intensify its diplomatic actions,” including summoning the ambassadors of the five permanent UN Security Council members, lodging formal complaints to the UN Security Council, and regularly confronting the American ambassador, “whose country justifies and shields Israeli aggression.”
“The government must make Israeli violations the opening topic of every cabinet session. We need to act with greater urgency,” His Eminence stressed.
Recent Attack on Dahiyeh
Referring to Sunday’s Israeli attack on Beirut’s southern suburbs (Dahiyeh), Sheikh Qassem condemned the strike as a “political assault aimed at altering the rules of engagement and imposing new realities.”
He described the attack as “unprovoked and carried out with American authorization,” warning that it marked a dangerous escalation. He also pointed to Israel’s continued killing of Lebanese civilians, destruction of homes and agricultural lands, and systematic displacement.
While welcoming the initial reactions from Lebanon’s president and prime minister, Sheikh Qassem insisted that “more is required” in terms of raising Lebanon’s voice and intensifying diplomatic efforts.
“Press the Americans to understand that Lebanon cannot rise under aggression. US interests are better served through regional stability, not continued escalation.”
Resistance as the Pillar of Strength
Hezbollah’s Sheikh Qassem reaffirmed that Lebanon’s strength lies in its “resistance, its people, and its army,” vowing that the group will not accept returning to the era of weakness we endured over 40 years ago.
“The US will be forced to engage with Lebanon when it sees it standing strong and resilient. We endure today, but ultimately, victory will be ours because we have an unparalleled people—a people fueled by faith and a sacred commitment to liberation and dignity.”
His Eminence urged the Lebanese government to “stand firm against pressures and avoid making concessions,” affirming that only steadfastness would pave the way for Lebanon’s renaissance.
Reconstruction: An Urgent Unfulfilled Need
Turning to post-war recovery, Sheikh Qassem identified “reconstruction” as the second national priority and criticized the government’s delay in launching a comprehensive rebuilding program.
“Why has the government not yet started reconstruction?” His Eminence asked.
“Reconstruction is an essential component of the ceasefire agreement. Failure to begin this process hampers economic recovery, deepens social inequality, and alienates a vital segment of the population.”
His Eminence noted that Hezbollah has already taken significant steps in providing shelter and basic repairs—”something no resistance movement elsewhere in the world has undertaken.”
Sheikh Qassem expressed gratitude to Iran and its people, particularly Supreme Leader Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei, for their support, while questioning the absence of broader domestic and international engagement in reconstruction efforts.
“Anyone who thinks Lebanon can move forward without the involvement of these communities is mistaken.”
Building the State: A Strategic Commitment
As the third priority, Sheikh Qassem emphasized the imperative of state-building.
“We are firmly committed to building the state. Our actions before and after the Israeli aggression demonstrate this commitment.”
His Eminence pointed out that Hezbollah, along with its allies in the Amal Movement, had supported the election of President Joseph Aoun, participated in government formation, and granted parliamentary confidence to the cabinet—all steps aimed at reinforcing state institutions.
Sheikh Qassem stressed the need for simultaneous progress on all national priorities, warning against distractions and divisive rhetoric.
“Those who seek to sow discord, particularly between the Lebanese Army and the resistance, will not succeed. It is vital to support President Aoun’s efforts in reconstruction and in expelling Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.”
Unity in Municipal Elections Is Crucial
Addressing the municipal elections, Sheikh Qassem stressed the need to “preserve the unity of villages and towns, fostering an atmosphere of harmony and cooperation.” He emphasized that it is preferable to “bring together all competencies to form cohesive municipal councils.”
His Eminence revealed that Hezbollah and the Amal Movement have reached an agreement aimed at creating consensus-based municipal councils that ensure broad family and community representation.
“We should seek to involve clans and all political forces wherever possible. To guarantee inclusive participation in the town or city’s development by proposing candidates who are both competent and widely accepted.”
Sheikh Qassem urged that candidates should reflect political coherence, avoid factionalism, and prioritize public service and sound financial management.
Offering Condolences and Solidarity
In a separate context, Hezbollah’s Sheikh Qassem extended condolences to the Christian world over the passing of Pope Francis, expressing hope that his ideas “will inspire all humanity without exception.”
His Eminence also offered condolences to the Islamic Republic of Iran—its leadership, people, and Supreme Leader Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei—over the martyrs and wounded in the tragic incident at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas.
Turning to Gaza, Sheikh Qassem praised the Palestinian people’s endurance amid relentless US-Israeli-Western aggression, affirming that their steadfastness “will thwart the enemy’s objectives and lay the foundation for certain victory.”
Finally, His Eminence saluted Yemen’s leadership and people for their steadfastness against “American, Israeli, and British aggression,” noting that Yemen stands firmly with Gaza against the Zionist enemy.
Source: Al-Manar Website
