Qa'ani: Hezbollah’s Backing of Gaza Resistance Shattered Israel’s War Plans
General Esmail Qaani Says Hezbollah’s Pressure Overturned Israel’s War Equation, Describes Nasrallah’s Assassination as a “War Crime”
Iran, PUREWILAYAH.COM – Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, affirmed on Friday that Hezbollah’s decision to open the support front after Operation Al-Aqsa Flood was decisive in shifting the course of the war toward the Palestinian resistance.
In a televised interview, Qaani said the move by Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was made “with wisdom and in defense of the oppressed,” marking a turning point in the battle.
He emphasized that neither Tehran nor Hezbollah had any prior knowledge of the October 7 operation, stressing that even Hamas’ political leadership was caught unaware — with Ismail Haniyeh reportedly en route to Baghdad Airport when the offensive began.
Speaking in a televised interview, Qaani said, “Neither we, nor Seyed Hassan, nor even the senior leaders of Hamas were told the exact timing of the operation. When the assault began, Haniyeh was actually en route to Baghdad Airport and learned of it only upon returning.”
Nasrallah’s Role and Israel’s Defeat in Lebanon
Qaani emphasized that although the timing was hidden, “Shaheed Seyed Hassan Nasrallah had carefully and methodically specified the necessary stages” of the broader resistance effort.
He recalled that even in moments of silence, such as a critical two-week stretch when Nasrallah refrained from delivering speeches, he instilled deep fear in the Zionist regime through psychological warfare.
The Quds Force chief said Hezbollah’s mounting pressure forced Tel Aviv to deploy one-third of its army to southern Lebanon, a move that proved unsustainable. “The regime could not withstand this, and the equation of the war was overturned,” he declared.
He also pointed to a series of Israeli crimes, culminating in the assassination of Sayyed Nasrallah, which he described as “the greatest crime.” Qaani asserted that the strike involved not only heavy explosives but also chemical agents, calling it an “obvious war crime.”
Hezbollah’s Unparalleled Capabilities and Strategic Victory
Qaani highlighted Hezbollah’s underreported military achievements, noting that just two days before Israel requested a ceasefire, the resistance fired more than 350 missiles and drones at sensitive targets.
These included attacks on soldiers’ mess halls, the city of Haifa, and even Netanyahu’s residence. He said such operations revealed Hezbollah’s unparalleled military and psychological capabilities.
Reaffirming the resistance’s path, Qaani said, “The strategy of resistance is victory and we will continue to win; this strategy will break the back of Israel and America.”
He stressed that Hamas and other Palestinian factions now possess stronger missiles, while Israel’s objectives remain unfulfilled. “Despite the regime’s restrictions and losses, the resistance stands stronger than ever,” he concluded.
Hezbollah’s Role in Safeguarding Lebanon
Turning to Lebanon’s internal situation, Qaani underscored that domestic issues must be resolved by the Lebanese themselves, reiterating Iran’s policy of non-interference. He praised Hezbollah’s patience in the face of repeated Israeli ceasefire violations, calling it a “wise and correct decision.”
He further asserted that Lebanon’s people and army recognize Hezbollah’s vital role in defending the country. “The army has adopted a wise approach in dealing with Hezbollah despite external pressures,” he said, adding that Lebanon’s security cannot be guaranteed without the resistance.
Qaani concluded that no matter how long aggression continues, “enemies cannot eliminate a single front of the resistance.”
He stressed that the Palestinian movement Hamas, despite siege conditions, continues to manufacture weapons and strike the Israeli occupation, further proving that the axis of resistance cannot be broken.
Regional Context and Strategic Depth
Earlier this week, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council head Ali Larijani visited Lebanon to attend the commemoration of Sayyed Nasrallah’s martyrdom.
During the visit, he emphasized Hezbollah’s role as a strategic force in protecting Lebanon and praised its regional diplomacy, including outreach to Saudi Arabia.
Qaani echoed this sentiment, saying that while the battlefield reflects a struggle of blows exchanged, the strategic outcome is clear: “In the battlefield we both receive and inflict blows, but on the strategic level we are absolute victors. The world is now witnessing the true, criminal face of Israel.” (PW)