Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem confirmed that Lebanon is living today “in the heart of storm and instability,” holding the United States and the “Israeli enemy” responsible for the situation, and stressing that the Israeli aggression against Lebanon has not stopped despite the 2024 agreement.
In a speech he delivered during the anniversary of the passing of the founding leader, Hajj Abu Salim Yaghi, Qassem said that the United States “sponsored corruption in Lebanon and protected its symbols,” and has worked since 2019 to sabotage the economic situation, seeking to impose guardianship and control over many aspects of the Lebanese state.
He believed that Hezbollah and the Islamic Resistance, in cooperation with the various factions and with the support of the Lebanese army and people, contributed to the liberation of all of Lebanon and not just the south, considering that the party’s path in Lebanon was and still is “bright and sparkling.” He stressed that the party’s performance in parliamentary and governmental work and in the public field was distinguished by “cleanliness,” and it contributed to building the Lebanese state, stressing that serving the people constitutes the foundation and essence of its approach.
Regarding the political issue, Qassem considered that Lebanon stands today at a decisive historical juncture between two options: either give the United States and “Israel” what they seek by imposing complete guardianship over Lebanon, or rise up nationally to restore sovereignty and land and build the state. He stressed that the disarmament project is an “Israeli-American” project, even if it is currently being marketed under the title of “weapon exclusivity.”
He stressed that demanding the exclusivity of weapons in light of the continuing Israeli attacks means, as he put it, serving the interest of “Israel” and not the interest of Lebanon, considering that this proposal falls within a project that aims to end Lebanon’s military capacity, undermine the ability of a significant group of Lebanese, sow discord with the Amal Movement, and stir up strife between the resistance and the people, while maintaining the occupation in the five points.
Qassem pointed out that “Israel” is still occupying parts of Lebanese territory, wondering to what extent this occupation can continue, and stressing that the experience of resistance over 42 years has disrupted multiple Israeli projects. He considered that the state succeeded in Lebanon due to the presence of resistance, while it failed in Syria due to its absence.
He stopped at the 2024 agreement, noting that the Lebanese side made commitments and concessions, while “Israel” continued its attacks and violations, considering that the Lebanese government added free concessions without being matched by any Israeli obligations. He said: “I am surprised by those who do not see what is required of Israel, and are trying to interpret the agreement by imposing more demands on Hezbollah and Lebanon.”
He stressed that the resistance adhered to the content of the agreement, as did Lebanon through the state and the army, while “Israel” continued its security incursions into Lebanese territory. He asked about the state’s role in the recent kidnapping of Officer Ahmed Shukr in the Zahle region, criticizing the attempts to push for the Lebanese army to carry out a “badash”, and pointing out that the scene of cooperation between the army and the resistance “disturbed” its opponents.
He explained that what the Lebanese army accomplished in terms of deploying south of the Litani was supposed to take place if “Israel” committed to stopping the aggression, withdrawing, and starting reconstruction, stressing that “Lebanon is no longer required to take any action at any level before the Israeli enemy commits to its obligations,” and said: “Do not ask us for anything anymore… and Lebanon is not required to be a policeman for Israel.”
Qassem concluded by stressing that the resistance will defend and persevere, and will achieve its goals no matter how long it takes, calling for an end to the aggression by air, land and sea, a complete withdrawal, the release of prisoners, and the reconstruction of the south, stressing the strength of the relationship between Hezbollah and the Amal Movement and their remaining “one hand in confronting the enemy.”
