Sheikh Naim Qassem: Israeli Aggression Has Pushed the Resistance’s Patience to Its Limit
Sheikh Naim Qassem says Hezbollah’s rocket response came after 15 months of Israeli violations against Lebanon, stressing that the Resistance will never surrender to Israeli–American aggression.
Lebanon — PUREWILAYAH.COM — Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem stated that the recent rocket barrage launched by the Lebanese Resistance was a legitimate response to more than fifteen months of continuous Israeli violations against Lebanon.
In his address on March 4, 2026, Sheikh Naim Qassem emphasized that the confrontation was not triggered by a single military action but by a prolonged campaign of aggression carried out by Israel with full American backing.
According to Sheikh Naim Qassem, since the ceasefire agreement of November 27, 2024, Lebanon and the Resistance have respected the terms of the agreement, while Israel has failed to implement any of its obligations.
“We committed ourselves to the agreement alongside the Lebanese state, yet Israel did not respect a single clause,” Sheikh Naim Qassem said.
He explained that the Resistance deliberately refrained from responding to repeated Israeli attacks in order not to obstruct diplomatic efforts and to give the Lebanese government an opportunity to handle the situation.
However, Sheikh Naim Qassem stressed that patience cannot continue indefinitely.
15 Months of Violations and Hundreds of Martyrs
Sheikh Naim Qassem revealed that Israeli forces carried out more than 10,000 violations by land, sea, and air during the past fifteen months.
During the same period, approximately 500 Lebanese were martyred, averaging nearly one martyr per day, while homes were demolished and civilians abducted.
According to Sheikh Naim Qassem, Israeli forces devastated border villages and destroyed homes and farmland on a large scale.
“Israel behaves as if it is free to kill, destroy homes, abduct citizens, and impose its political will on Lebanon,” Sheikh Naim Qassem said.
The Hezbollah leader stressed that the rocket barrage launched by the Resistance was therefore a response to this long chain of aggression rather than the cause of the war.
Israel Prepared the War in Advance
Sheikh Naim Qassem rejected Israeli claims that the escalation was triggered by Hezbollah’s rocket fire, stating that Israeli officials had already prepared plans for a large-scale assault.
He pointed to Israeli media reports and official statements indicating that military preparations were already underway before the rocket barrage.
Within the first 36 to 48 hours of Israeli attacks, Sheikh Naim Qassem said, more than 40 Lebanese civilians were killed and around 250 wounded, with strikes targeting residential areas, women, and children inside their homes.
Israel also displaced residents from more than 85 Lebanese villages and towns, destroyed civilian infrastructure, and targeted social and media institutions including Al-Qard Al-Hassan centers, Al-Manar TV, and Al-Nour radio.
“These attacks are not a response. They are part of a prepared aggression aimed at destroying Lebanon’s resistance and existence,” Sheikh Naim Qassem stated.
Resistance Is a Legitimate Right
Sheikh Naim Qassem stressed that the existence of the Resistance and its weapons is a legitimate right under international law and the natural right of peoples to defend themselves against occupation.
“As long as occupation exists, resistance and its weapons are a legitimate right,” Sheikh Naim Qassem said.
He rejected attempts to portray Hezbollah as the source of Lebanon’s crisis, emphasizing that the real issue lies in Israeli occupation and the continuous violation of Lebanese sovereignty.
“The problem is not the resistance, nor the weapons, nor the Lebanese people. The problem is the occupation,” Sheikh Naim Qassem declared.
Israel’s Expansionist Project
Sheikh Naim Qassem warned that Israel’s actions are part of a broader expansionist project, referring to statements by Israeli leaders about the concept of “Greater Israel.”
He also criticized American political support for such ambitions, warning that these expansionist plans represent a direct threat to Lebanon and the entire region.
“This project is an existential danger to our people, our homeland, and the region,” Sheikh Naim Qassem said.
Hezbollah Vows to Fight Until Victory
Despite the imbalance in military capabilities, Sheikh Naim Qassem declared that Hezbollah will continue defending Lebanon.
“They wanted a battle that reaches the furthest limits. Our choice is to confront them to the furthest limits as well,” Sheikh Naim Qassem said.
“We will not surrender.”
He emphasized that Hezbollah fighters remain committed to the legacy of the Resistance leaders and martyrs, particularly Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, whose path continues to guide the Resistance.
Call for National Unity in Lebanon
Sheikh Naim Qassem urged the Lebanese government to defend national sovereignty and protect its citizens rather than blaming the Resistance.
“This aggression targets all of Lebanon,” Sheikh Naim Qassem said. “All political, religious, and social forces must unite in confronting the Israeli enemy.”
He also stressed that caring for displaced civilians is a national responsibility and called on the government, civil organizations, and communities across Lebanon to support those forced from their homes.
A Struggle for Lebanon’s Future
Sheikh Naim Qassem concluded by emphasizing that Hezbollah’s fight is solely aimed at defending Lebanon and its people.
“We fight in Lebanon to defend our people, our children’s future, and our homeland,” Sheikh Naim Qassem said.
“Our goal is clear: to stop Israeli–American aggression and force the Israeli withdrawal.”
Ending his address, Sheikh Naim Qassem expressed confidence that the Resistance will ultimately prevail.
“We carry out our duty, relying on God. We are certain that victory will come on the path of one of the two triumphs.” (PW)