Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem stressed on Friday that the United States and the Israeli enemy plan for not only disarming the Resistance but also imposing a full economic siege on its supporters.
Addressing Hezbollah ceremony held at the shrine of the Master of Umma Martyrs Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah to honor the scholars martyred all the way to Al-Quds and during the “Formidable in Might Battle”, Sheikh Qassem emphasized that the enemies want to eradicate the existence of Hezbollah supporters.
“They want to disarm and cut off funds, prevent services, close schools and hospitals, obstruct reconstruction, prevent donations, and demolish homes.”
Sheikh Qassem indicated that disarming the resistance would not solve the problem in Lebanon, underlining rejection of the hostile schemes.
“We will defend ourselves, our families, and our country. We are prepared to sacrifice everything, to the maximum. We will not surrender, and our resolve will only grow stronger... we will not back down. Let this be clear to you.”
Sheikh Qassem criticized the government’s decision to participate in a civilian-led ceasefire committee, saying it contradicts previous official statements that required the enemy to stop hostilities before involving civilians in the process.
Sheikh Qassem said the move is a free concession that won’t change Israel’s stance or aggression, noting that the civilian representative’s meeting with the committee has increased pressure, and ‘Israel’ and the US want to keep Lebanon under fire.
He described this measure as a further blunder that can be added to the “sin of August 5th,” and prayed that God would protect Lebanon from something even worse. He argued that instead of taking steps forward to strengthen the country and achieve progress, concessions are being made that will not work with Israel.
He emphasized that the opportunity still exists, and a reversal is possible on the condition that ‘Israel’ ceases fire, the state takes steps to rebuild and confront ‘Israel’, and an internal agreement is reached on the basis of not allowing any concessions until ‘Israel’ fulfills its obligations.
Sheikh Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah had fulfilled its obligations and enabled the state to assert its sovereignty within the framework of the agreement, stressing that they should be confident that the enemy cannot do anything when the Lebanese are united.
Sheikh Qassem likened Lebanon to a ship, asserting that aligning with Israel would be like sinking the ship, causing everyone to drown. He called for careful consideration of all steps and for the understanding that the sole problem in Lebanon is Israeli aggression, which must be confronted in a unified manner.
Lebanon is facing a dangerous Israeli expansionist aggression that must be confronted by all means
Sheikh Qassem stated that Lebanon is facing a dangerous Israeli expansionist aggression that must be confronted by all means. He pointed out that the Israeli statements are not isolated but rather expansionist, and that Israel only withdrew from Beirut due to the resistance’s strikes; without these strikes, it would not have withdrawn.
He emphasized that this enemy is expansionist and that there is an agreement it has not adhered to, despite Lebanon’s and its resistance’s commitment. He added that the attacks are not about weapons, but rather about establishing the basis for the occupation of Lebanon and drawing up a “Greater Israel” through Lebanon, referring to Resolution 1701 and the area south of the Litani River.
Sheikh Qassem underscored cooperation with the Lebanese government which has chosen the path of diplomacy to end the aggression, reiterating support to that path. He emphasized that America and ‘Israel’ have no say in how we manage our internal affairs, nor do they have any say in what we disagree on or decide in Lebanon.
He clarified that the limit we must adhere to in all our relations now, as the Lebanese state, with the enemy is the boundary of the agreement that speaks exclusively of the area south of the Litani River, adding there is no such thing as “beyond the Litani River.”
He affirmed that all other matters are the responsibility of the Lebanese themselves, and that Resolution 1701 is a matter for the Lebanese themselves, and they are the ones who will implement it.
Sheikh Qassem underlined that the United States and ‘Israel’ have no say in the local Lebanese issues related to the arms, rebuilding capabilities and the defense strategy.
Hezbollah Leader affirmed that the Resistance Party would disregard the servants of ‘Israel’. adding, “Rather, we will pay attention to those among our citizens and political forces who wish to listen, discuss, and cooperate within the framework of one country, within the framework of a defensive strategy that we agree upon. This the only option on the table.”
He stressed that whoever renounces the Israeli project will be welcomed and engaged in discussions, but on the basis of dignity, honor, independence, and maintaining our defensive capabilities. He affirmed that this is a defensive capability, and no one in the world can prevent us from possessing the ability to defend ourselves and stand against those who attack us. This is a settled and final matter for us.
Sheikh Qassem, meanwhile, demanded that the Lebanese government fulfill its duties, considering the first duty to be protecting sovereignty, building the state and the economy, and serving the people.
His eminence addressed the officials, saying: “Give us a statement about the period from the time you took office until now about what you have done in terms of confronting the aggression, liberating prisoners, reconstruction, providing services to the people, and the country’s economy.” He emphasized that the government has nothing to give away, calling on everyone to work together so that the Lebanese people stand united against their enemies.
Sheikh Naim Qassem stated that the party was an integral part of the Lebanese resistance, cooperating with various forces. He highlighted Hezbollah’s 2006 relationship with a major Christian group, based on Lebanon’s interests.
Sheikh Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah’s experience has been inclusive, not isolated, and has presented a pioneering Islamic model that has annoyed the West and ‘Israel’. He noted the Imam Mahdi Scouts’ reception of the Pope, demonstrating the party’s openness and cooperation.
He stressed that Hezbollah’s statement to the Pope resonated deeply, showcasing the party’s image in Lebanon. Qassem affirmed that no one can tarnish the image of Hezbollah’s youth who sacrificed or the Lebanese people.
Sheikh Naim Qassem stated that political differences are normal within a country, and affairs should be organized according to the constitution.
He emphasized that understanding should aim to improve state-building, not serve external agendas or promote Israel’s project. His eminence reaffirmed Hezbollah’s cooperation with all to build the state and liberate the land, citing its track record.
Sheikh Qassem stressed that Hezbollah doesn’t seek validation, criticizing those who claim to give national certificates while needing absolution for their crimes. He affirmed that Hezbollah doesn’t give or accept certificates, calling for people to judge based on experience, as parliamentary elections reflect popular sentiment.
“To you, I pledge to continue and bring tidings of a bright future.”
Sheikh Qassem said, “Hezbollah has worked on the basis of the perfection of religion, adhered to Islamic constants, and believed in jihad in the way of God as guidance for humanity. We were raised in Hezbollah to love the homeland, believe in freedom of choice, establish a state, and freedom of expression.”
Source: Al-Manar English Website
