Qassem vows continued resistance, rejects negotiations, warns against sedition, and outlines conditions for ending war and restoring sovereignty in Lebanon.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem delivered a speech on Monday as Lebanon continues to face sustained Israeli attacks, ongoing displacement, and mounting pressure tied to ceasefire negotiations and regional developments.
The speech also follows a continued debate inside Lebanon over the role of the resistance, the position of the government, and the terms of any potential settlement. Political divisions have intensified in recent weeks, particularly regarding negotiations, coordination between the Lebanese army and resistance forces, and the broader direction of state policy.
Against this backdrop, Qassem addressed a wide range of issues, including the ongoing confrontation with Israel, the conditions for ending the war, and concerns over internal divisions. He also commented on regional dynamics, diplomatic efforts, and the implications of current developments for Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty.
Resistance Will Continue
Qassem said that Lebanon is facing a US-Israeli aggression, stressing that the resistance will continue confronting it and will not surrender.
Qassem stated that the ongoing war is “Lebanon’s war against the Israeli-American enemy, not the wars of others,” adding that the occupation’s objectives are clear and aim at “eliminating any source of strength in Lebanon.”
He said the resistance decided to engage in confrontation “to defend Lebanon and its people,” noting that “had we not taken this decision, the losses would have been greater.”
Qassem stressed that “we will not surrender at all and will continue confronting the aggression until the last breath,” adding that “as long as the aggression continues, we will face it.”
He said the resistance is prepared and “has rebuilt itself in silence and ambiguity,” warning that “when the opportunity arises, we will capture enemy soldiers.”
Qassem emphasized that Israeli settlements “will not be safe,” and that “the enemy will live in fear,” regardless of the scope of Israeli military presence inside Lebanon.
He added that fighters on the frontlines are “engaged with very high sacrificial spirit,” describing their performance as “extraordinary and formidable.”
Resistance Conditions
Qassem outlined conditions for any political settlement, including “a complete halt to the aggression, immediate withdrawal, release of prisoners, return of displaced persons, and reconstruction.”
He stressed that “the only path that ensures sovereignty and saves Lebanon is the implementation of the agreement,” referring to the November 27 agreement, which he said Israel has not honored.
He added that Lebanon has endured “15 months without Israel implementing a single clause of the agreement,” despite continued patience.
Qassem rejected negotiations with Israel, describing them as “a series of free concessions” and “submission that strips Lebanon of its strength.”
He said such negotiations are “futile” and require a unified Lebanese position to change direction.
Criticism of Government
Qassem criticized the Lebanese government, stating that it is “trying to abandon its capabilities, its people, and its responsibilities.”
He warned that decisions to criminalize the resistance would “paralyze everything,” questioning how authorities could later request coordination from resistance forces.
“When the political authority decides to criminalize the resistance, how will it later ask the resistance to coordinate with it?” he said.
He added that any attempt to position the Lebanese army against the resistance is part of a plan “to eliminate the resistance and seize its decision.”
Qassem stressed that “the army and the resistance cannot be placed in a circle of sedition.”
He also called on the Lebanese government to revise its position toward Iran and its ambassador in Beirut.
Warnings Against Division
Qassem warned of efforts to create sectarian division, stating that the US and Israel are working to ignite Sunni-Shia tensions in Lebanon, particularly through the issue of displaced persons.
He said: “We will not allow the American-Israeli project of sedition to succeed in Lebanon.”
He also rejected claims that Hezbollah operates cells in Kuwait, Bahrain, or any other country.
Qassem stressed unity between Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, saying that attempts to create divisions between them “will fail.”
He added that “there are those spreading poison to create problems between Syria and Lebanon,” while affirming that “the Syrian people are free in their decisions.”
Regional Context
Qassem said diplomatic efforts have failed to make progress, noting that “not a single step forward has been achieved,” while Israeli aggression continues with full US support.
He criticized what he described as pressure on Lebanon, questioning what external actors have offered since the formation of the current government.
Qassem concluded by paying tribute to those killed, including members of the Lebanese army, State Security, medical and emergency personnel, and journalists from Al-Manar, Al-Nour Radio, and Al Mayadeen.
He called on displaced people to direct their anger “only toward Israel.”
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(PC, Al Mayadeen, Telegram)
