Sheikh Naim Qassem: No Surrender, We Reject Negotiations with the Enemy
Hezbollah rejects negotiations, warns settlements “will not be safe,” and hails Iran’s resilience and leadership in confronting US–Israeli aggression
Lebanon, PUREWILAYAH.COM — His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem, Secretary-General of Hezbollah, delivered a comprehensive address outlining the Resistance’s position amid ongoing Israeli aggression, reaffirming that negotiations with the enemy are rejected and that confrontation remains the only path forward.
“We are facing a brutal Israeli–American aggression since the beginning of the battle,” His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem said, describing the campaign as one that “did not observe any humanitarian or moral considerations,” adding that it amounts to “occupation in every sense of the word.”
He emphasized that despite the scale of destruction and casualties, the Resistance and the Lebanese people have remained steadfast.
“We stood firm, the Resistance stood firm, our people stood firm, and Lebanon stood firm… and through this steadfastness, we reached an agreement with the Israeli enemy.”
However, he stressed that Israel failed to uphold its commitments.
“The Israeli enemy did not commit to any clause of the agreement for fifteen months… more than ten thousand violations occurred, and we remained patient.”
“Greater Israel” Project Targets All of Lebanon
His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem warned that the ongoing aggression is part of a broader strategic project aimed at dismantling Lebanon’s strength.
“The objectives of the Israeli aggression are clear: eliminating the strength of Lebanon and its Resistance in preparation for ‘Greater Israel.’”
He rejected attempts to portray the war as limited in scope, stressing that all of Lebanon is under threat.
“All of Lebanon is targeted… not only the Resistance, and not only one group of Lebanese.”
No Negotiations: “This Path Is Submission and Surrender”
Reaffirming Hezbollah’s position, His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem categorically rejected negotiations with Israel.
“The Resistance rejects negotiations with the usurping Israeli entity… these negotiations are futile.”
He warned that such a path would strip Lebanon of its strength:
“We do not accept the basis of this negotiation… it is submission, surrender, and stripping Lebanon of its power.”
He added that any move toward negotiations without national consensus would be unacceptable, urging Lebanese authorities to abandon such efforts.
US–Israeli War on Iran Aims at Regime Change and Plunder
Addressing the escalation against Iran, His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem stated that the United States and the Israeli entity are pursuing a deliberate campaign aimed at reshaping Iran’s political system, controlling its future, and seizing its capabilities.
“The United States and the Israeli entity have attacked Iran… they want to change the regime, control Iran’s future, and take its capabilities.”
He rejected the justifications put forward by Washington and its allies, describing them as legally baseless and aimed at legitimizing domination over a sovereign state. He stressed that no international framework permits one country to control another or seize its resources, dismissing such claims as unjustifiable.
His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem also dismissed the nuclear file as a pretext used to sustain pressure on Iran, emphasizing that enrichment for peaceful purposes remains a legitimate right under international law.
“The nuclear issue is used as a pretext… while the right to enrichment for peaceful purposes is a legitimate right under international law.”
He further stressed that Iran has faced decades of sustained pressure precisely because of its independence and refusal to submit to external control, noting that the broader objective is to weaken the country, exploit its resources, and alter its political trajectory.
Despite ongoing aggression, assassinations, and repeated attacks, Iran, he said, has demonstrated resilience, maintaining internal unity and restoring its political and military structures while increasing public mobilization alongside its armed forces.
“Iran surprised them with its steadfastness, capabilities, and sacrifices… this is a people that cannot be defeated.”
He expressed confidence that Iran will ultimately prevail, highlighting its growing strength under pressure. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of regional coordination, calling for cooperation with Iran and all supportive states in confronting ongoing US–Israeli aggression.
He also conveyed gratitude for Iran’s support and its role in exerting pressure on Washington and Tel Aviv, alongside the contributions of Yemen and Iraq, while calling for welcoming any state that supports the liberation of occupied land and rejecting measures that could open the door to internal division.
Axis of Resistance: Cooperation Is Essential
His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem called for coordination with Iran and regional allies to confront the ongoing aggression.
“We must cooperate with Iran and with all countries that can support us.”
He expressed gratitude for Iran’s role:
“We thank Iran for its support and for exerting pressure on America and the Israeli entity.”
He also acknowledged the contributions of Yemen and Iraq, alongside all those who have supported the Resistance.
Resistance Will Continue: “Surrender Will Not Happen”
Outlining the path forward, His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem made clear that there are only two options: resistance or surrender.
“If the aggression continues… either confrontation or surrender, and surrender will not happen.”
He reaffirmed that the Resistance will remain on the battlefield regardless of the cost.
“We will remain in the field until the last breath.”
Resistance as the Only Path
In a direct warning to Israel, His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem declared that the ongoing confrontation will extend beyond Lebanon’s borders.
“These Israeli settlements in northern occupied Palestine will not be safe.”
He stressed that continued aggression will be met with sustained resistance, adding that Israel will not achieve stability under these conditions.
His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem concluded that the war facing Lebanon and the region is not merely military, but existential, driven by a US–Israeli project aimed at domination.
He reiterated that the only viable response is steadfast resistance, supported by regional allies, with Iran playing a key role in confronting the aggression.
“We are facing an enemy that declares its aggression openly… and we must confront it.” (PW)