Hezbollah Leader Declares Israeli Pressure Will Fail, Promises Victory for Resistance
On Sunday, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem delivered a compelling speech to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the martyrdom of senior resistance commander Mustafa Badreddine. This speech highlighted Badreddine’s significant role as one of the longest-serving members of Hezbollah, emphasizing his legacy in the resistance movement against Israeli occupation.
Sheikh Qassem began his address by honoring Badreddine, stating, “Martyr Mustafa Badreddine was among the first to fight the Israeli occupation in 1982 in Khaldeh, south of Beirut.” He hailed the late commander as a foundational figure in Hezbollah’s armed resistance, portraying him as a symbol of courage and sacrifice. He noted, “His path continues to inspire the Resistance.”
Shifting focus to the ongoing Israeli strikes on Syrian territory, Sheikh Qassem issued a stern condemnation. He expressed his strong opposition, saying, “We strongly denounce the Israeli aggression on Syria.” He called upon the Syrian people, who have long demonstrated resilience, to unite and prevent Israel from achieving its objectives.
In a show of unwavering support for the Palestinian struggle, Sheikh Qassem declared, “Netanyahu will never be able to strip the resilient Palestinian people of their rights.” He emphasized the sacrifices made by Palestinians to maintain their dignity and resilience.
Sheikh Qassem also reflected on the historical context of the May 17, 1983, agreement, which was a controversial U.S.-brokered deal between Lebanon and Israel. He stated, “That agreement was struck down, and with it, Israel’s annexation ambitions in Lebanon were thwarted.”
Highlighting Hezbollah’s role throughout the years, Sheikh Qassem underscored the strategic importance of armed resistance. He asserted, “The Resistance has deterred the Israeli enemy and put an end to its creeping plans to annex parts of Lebanon.” Sheikh Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah has prevented Israel from imposing any humiliating agreements on Lebanon or coercing it into submission.
Reiterating Hezbollah’s steadfast stance, Sheikh Qassem said, “We stand with the logic of justice, not submission.” He affirmed, “We will continue resisting in defense of Lebanon and its people. The enemy will not achieve its goals.”
Furthermore, Sheikh Qassem reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the path of Resistance and sacrifice. He stated, “We, on the path of Resistance and sacrifice, have offered Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and his martyrdom serves as a beacon for us to continue.” He expressed confidence that the Resistance would remain strong and dignified, declaring, “When the Resistance persists and maintains its strength, the enemy will despair at our power and steadfastness.”
Sheikh Qassem also addressed the issue of repeated Israeli violations, claiming, “Israel has breached the ceasefire agreement more than 3,000 times since it was announced.” He warned that Israel is now attempting to eliminate the Resistance through political pressure, stating, “Israel is trying to end the Resistance by continuing its pressures and aggression, but this time through politics.”
He called on the Lebanese government to take firmer action against these violations. He urged, “The Lebanese state must act more decisively and confront Israeli violations with greater strength.” Sheikh Qassem dismissed any attempts to isolate the Resistance, asserting, “Anyone who thinks they can single out and isolate the Resistance is delusional.”
He stated, “You did not succeed in removing us from the equation, and you will not succeed. No component can be isolated, and you will not achieve through pressure what you failed to achieve through war.”
Addressing the internal challenges within Lebanon, Sheikh Qassem accused the Israeli occupation’s allies of fostering discord. He remarked, “The servants of Israel… their sedition has destroyed Lebanon.” He urged these individuals to return to their national sense for the sake of unity, stating, “We say to the servants of Israel: return to your national sense so that we can work together.”
Emphasizing a vision for Lebanon’s political future, Sheikh Qassem stated, “We are part of the new era and partners in its benefits.” He encouraged those who previously held certain stances to reconsider them for the sake of national unity and rebuilding.
Furthermore, Sheikh Qassem called on Lebanese officials to prioritize confronting Israeli aggression. He urged, “Lebanese leaders must give priority to ending Israeli aggression, its violations, its occupation, and securing the release of prisoners.”
He also highlighted the urgency of national reconstruction, stating, “The second priority is reconstruction, and I call on the Lebanese government to place this issue first on the agenda of its next session.” He emphasized broader state-building goals, asserting, “Lebanese officials must also prioritize rebuilding the state economically and socially, and returning the depositors’ funds.”
This powerful address by Sheikh Naim Qassem serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Lebanon and the broader region, as Hezbollah continues to navigate the complex landscape of resistance and political dynamics.
