BEIRUT – Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem has categorically ruled out any discussions regarding the disarmament of the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon as long as the Israeli occupation and its ongoing aggression persist.
In a comprehensive address detailing the political and military landscape of the region, the Hezbollah leader reaffirmed that the resistance remains the sole legitimate path to liberating all occupied Lebanese territories. He stressed that the cost of steadfastness, though high, is infinitely preferable to the devastation of surrender.
Rejection of Unconstitutional Agreements
Sheikh Qassem strongly condemned the recent “framework agreement,” dismissing it as null and void. He argued that the deal violates the Lebanese Constitution, the Taif Agreement, and national laws, while unlawfully granting concessions to the Israeli enemy. Furthermore, he demanded the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces in strict accordance with the November 27, 2024 ceasefire agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The Shield of the Resistance
Highlighting the existential threat posed by the Zionist entity, Sheikh Qassem noted that the sacrifices of the resistance—honouring martyrs such as Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine—prevented Israel from expanding its control, establishing settlements, and imposing political and territorial domination over the entirety of Lebanon.
End to US Tutelage and Geopolitical Realities
The Secretary-General also issued a stark demand for an end to American “tutelage” over Lebanese state institutions, equating foreign interference with a violation of national sovereignty. He pointed to the internal crises plaguing both the US and the Israeli regime as evidence of their declining global and regional influence.
Contrasting this decline with regional resilience, Sheikh Qassem praised the steadfastness of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He commended the Iranian nation and its leadership under Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei for thwarting US-Israeli efforts to partition the country, noting that Iran’s unwavering stance has been instrumental in mitigating Israeli aggression against Lebanon.
A Pledge for Reconstruction and Unity
Looking toward Lebanon’s future, Sheikh Qassem reiterated Hezbollah’s unwavering commitment to the “Promise and Commitment” initiative, ensuring the reconstruction of destroyed homes and the sheltering of displaced citizens through the movement’s own resources, alongside state and allied support.
Concluding his address, he called for genuine national unity to heal internal divisions, emphasising strong ties with the Amal Movement and allied forces. “We are committed to national unity and are prepared to do everything possible to heal divisions,” Sheikh Qassem stated, urging other political factions to demonstrate their commitment through concrete actions rather than mere rhetoric.
Reference: Al-Mayadeen