Sheikh Qassem: Hezbollah Will Determine Appropriate Format and Timing for Confrontation with Zionist Occupation

On Monday, Hezbollah’s Secretary General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, emphasized that Lebanon is confronting an occupying force that continues its aggression and refuses to retreat. He underscored that the resistance reserves the right to determine its own strategy, including the form, nature, and timing of any confrontation.

In a public address broadcasted on television, Sheikh Qassem emphasized that the ongoing occupation represents a violation of Lebanese sovereignty. He asserted that it is incumbent upon all sectors of society—including the populace, the military, the government, the resistance movement, and various political factions—to actively confront this occupation.

Sheikh Qassem attributed the responsibility for the outcomes of the postponed withdrawal to the United Nations, the United States, France, and the entity referred to as ‘Israel’.

Lebanon has issued a firm ultimatum to Israel, asserting that the Israeli forces must withdraw within 60 days, with no allowances for delays or extensions under any circumstances. President Joseph Aoun has been clear in his stance, emphasizing that Israel will gain no advantage from Lebanon, and the Lebanese populace will not tolerate any prolongation of what they perceive as aggression by Israel.

His eminence stated that the Zionist forces cannot maintain their presence in Lebanon, emphasizing the resilience and indomitable spirit of the Lebanese people.

Sheikh Qassem emphasized the effectiveness of the tripartite alliance of the army, the people, and the resistance in preventing Israeli forces from advancing to Beirut and the southern Litani River. He asserted that this strategy is undeniably evident, equating its clarity to that of sunlight, and suggested the issue lies with those unable or unwilling to acknowledge it.

Sheikh Qassem asserted that individuals who carry themselves with dignity are advancing to the forefront of the conflict, unfazed by the policies and backing provided by the United States.

In the early hours of November 27, at 4:00 am, jubilant scenes unfolded in Beirut’s southern suburb of Dahiya and the Bekaa region, marking a significant moment of triumph. Celebrations erupted across these areas as resistance fighters stood resilient and unwavering, symbolizing a steadfast spirit and determination.

His Eminence declared that their triumph was a result of their persistence, emphasizing that the occupiers will inevitably have to retreat. “The resistance fighters have maintained their presence on the front lines, ensuring that the resistance remains resilient and robust,” he asserted.

Sheikh Qassem stated that the American backer of the agreement is also the supporter of what he termed as ‘Israeli’ aggression and has not fulfilled its role. However, he emphasized that they have chosen not to provide any pretext for further dispute.

The violation of the agreement underscores Lebanon’s continued need for resistance, according to a statement by the leader of Hezbollah.

“We faced an internal counter-campaign designed to cast us as vanquished, possibly causing distress among those whose aspirations of overcoming the resistance were not realized.”

Sheikh Qassem emphasized that the resistance had achieved a decisive and unmistakable victory.

The Secretary General of Hezbollah announced that the resistance has claimed victory, supported by the people who advanced towards the frontline villages ahead of the Israeli withdrawal. This triumph occurred amidst ongoing Zionist aggression and violations.

The highly anticipated return faced opposition from Israeli live ammunition, yet those returning stood firm, drawing strength from their religious convictions, personal dignity, and sense of national honor to counter the enemy assaults, according to his eminence.

Sheikh Qassem stated that the aggressor called for a ceasefire under certain conditions, to which Hezbollah consented, emphasizing that the group neither instigated nor desired the conflict.

“We have agreed to the ceasefire arrangement as the government made the decision to protect its borders and address the situation with ‘Israel’. This presents an opportunity for the nation to uphold its responsibilities and evaluate its political competencies.”

Sheikh Qassem stated that despite experiencing a sense of humiliation due to the retaliatory measures, they remained steadfast in their commitment to patience and opted not to react to ‘Israeli’ violations.

In remarks made by Sheikh Qassem, he stated that Israeli forces have breached the ceasefire agreement on 1,350 occasions. He further mentioned that Hezbollah has refrained from retaliating to avoid providing the enemy and the agreement’s facilitators with grounds to hold the resistance accountable.

The Secretary General of Hezbollah has asserted that the military actions directed towards Lebanon, akin to those in Gaza, constitute an unchecked act of aggression supported by the United States and Western nations.

According to his eminence, the United States and Israel made concerted efforts to dismantle the resistance, mobilizing five divisions with a total strength of 75,000 soldiers and officers, often resorting to intense force in pursuit of their objective. Despite these efforts, the resistance displayed remarkable steadfastness, characterized by an unwavering resolve and a commitment to sacrifice.

The world observed the valiant efforts of the resistance, as the people endured substantial sacrifices, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Within a span of ten days, the resistance regrouped with strength and unity, inspired by the leadership of His Eminence Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah, often referred to as the Master of the Martyrs.

Sheikh Qassem stated that resistance activities have intensified, limiting the advancement of ‘Israeli’ forces to only a few hundred meters on the frontlines, thanks to the unwavering resolve of the fighters. He further noted that displaced individuals have shown their support for the resistance through their unity, while the diverse population of Lebanon continues to demonstrate loyal solidarity.

The leader of Hezbollah candidly acknowledged that supporters of the resistance were taken aback by the substantial setbacks and losses inflicted by the enemy during the conflict. This reaction comes despite the string of military victories previously achieved by the resistance in 2000 with the Liberation, the 2006 July War, and the 2017 Second Liberation.

His Eminence stated that resistance supporters were confident that the arsenal of resistance, comprising missiles, drones, and advanced information capabilities, would undoubtedly secure victory.

Hezbollah has maintained a deterrent stance against its adversaries for 17 years, fostering public confidence in the enduring efficacy of its military capabilities. However, the recent and unforeseen loss of numerous leaders across a broad geographical area has surprised and unsettled its supporters.

Sheikh Qassem highlighted that the adversary’s supremacy in information technology, command over communications, and advancements in artificial intelligence, alongside its formidable airforce, were pivotal elements in the attacks launched against the resistance.

Hezbollah has launched an investigation into the major revelation, as emphasized by His Eminence.

Sheikh Qassem emphasized the unwavering resolve and determination of the resistance movement, asserting that its commitment and support from its followers have only grown stronger over time.

In a recent statement on Lebanese politics, Sheikh Qassem emphasized the critical role played by the National Duo—Hezbollah and the Amal Movement—in facilitating the consensual election of President Joseph Aoun. He asserted that without the involvement of these two influential groups, electing a president in a manner reflecting national unity would not have been possible. This outcome underscores the National Duo’s significant influence and contribution to achieving unity.

“We demonstrated prudence in our actions aimed at maintaining the stability of the nation and its government, while collaborating with the appointed Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The challenges in forming the government do not stem from our side.”

The relationship between the designated Prime Minister and the President remains transparent and unencumbered by any obstacles, sources confirm.

The leader of Hezbollah praised the recent victory in Gaza, describing it as a significant achievement for the Palestinian people, the nations in the region that stood in solidarity, and supporters around the globe who have endorsed and upheld the cause.

“His eminence stated that the operation known as ‘Al-Aqsa Flood’ has successfully met its objectives, thwarting Israel’s attempt to dismantle the resistance and neutralize Hamas.”

“We express our heartfelt appreciation to Yemen for its sacrifices, to Iraq for the resilience of its people, the guidance of its religious authority, and the efforts of Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi, and to Lebanon for its contribution in the form of Sayyed Nasrallah, revered as the Master of the Martyrs of the Nation.”

Sheikh Qassem commenced his address by highlighting that the investigation into the assassination of Sheikh Mohammad Hammadi, a Hezbollah leader in Western Bekaa, is ongoing. He suggested that suspicion is directed towards Zionist elements as the possible perpetrators.