Sheikh Naim Qassem: Resistance Will Not Yield to Israeli and US Pressures
On the 25th Anniversary of Resistance and Liberation Day, Sheikh Qassem delivers a resolute address reaffirming the Resistance’s legacy, its ongoing mission, and Lebanon’s uncompromising sovereignty
Lebanon, PUREWILAYAH.COM - On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Resistance and Liberation Day, Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem delivered a compelling and defiant address on Sunday evening, reflecting on the significance of this historic milestone and reaffirming the Resistance’s unwavering commitment to defending Lebanon’s dignity, sovereignty, and freedom.
“This day lifted Lebanon from the depths of weakness to the heights of strength,” Sheikh Qassem declared, emphasizing that May 25 marks the day that endowed the Lebanese people with a renewed sense of “dignity, pride, and true sovereignty.”
A Day That Redrew the Region’s Fate
Sheikh Qassem described the Liberation as a defining moment in the region's history: “It redrew the region’s fate—in politics, in culture, and in the course of freedom-fighting—leading us from the chains of submission to the fire of defiance, from the dust of defeat to the dawn of triumph.”
He affirmed that the Resistance movement forged Lebanon’s liberation and renewed its independence, successfully elevating the country's standing and enabling it to play a vital and influential role within the broader Middle East.
Honoring the Martyrs and Founders of the Resistance
The Deputy Secretary-General paid tribute to Hezbollah’s former leader, martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, calling him “the shining light who guided the Resistance through darkness, leading it to triumph and glory.”
Sheikh Qassem stressed that Resistance and Liberation Day was “the prelude that shaped everything that followed,” and reiterated that the Resistance remains strong “as a [popular] choice, an expression of the people's will, and a manifestation of unwavering determination.”
He explained that the Resistance emerged as “a natural outcome for a proud people who refuse humiliation, occupation, or submission to this enemy.”
Recalling the events of 2000, Sheikh Qassem highlighted that the Israeli occupation forces withdrew from Lebanon “earlier than expected, in the dead of night, without even notifying their collaborators,” a retreat that paved the way for the declaration of May 25 as a national day of liberation and resistance.
May 25, 2000: A Turning Point
Describing May 25, 2000, as “a major victory for the Resistance and the people who sacrificed so much,” Sheikh Qassem underscored that Israel’s grip was broken through an unconditional withdrawal.
He reaffirmed that the Resistance remains the path to liberation, having ended Israel’s expansionist ambitions and blocked its ability to seize any part of Lebanon.
Sheikh Qassem emphasized the broader impact, stating that the Resistance “transformed the situation in occupied Palestine and set the Israeli occupation on the path to eventual demise,” describing this shift as a foundational turning point in regional dynamics.
He went on to honor key figures in the Resistance movement’s history, including Imam Sayyed Musa al-Sadr, martyr Sheikh Ragheb Harb, martyr Sayyed Abbas Mousawi, martyr commander Imad Mughniyeh, and martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, stating that “the liberation is owed to them.”
He also thanked former Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and the late Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss for their steadfast support of the Resistance.
An Unfinished War with “Israel”
Sheikh Qassem stated unequivocally that both Hezbollah and the Lebanese state had fully abided by the ceasefire agreement, while “Israel committed 3,300 violations” and continues to act with impunity.
He asserted that the responsibility for enforcing the ceasefire lies with the Lebanese state but warned, “Other options remain with the Resistance should the state fail to fulfill its duty.”
He also commented on the recent remarks by Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal, noting they reflect the patriotism of both the general and the army. He reaffirmed Hezbollah’s commitment to the national equation: “the army, the people, and the Resistance.”
“The Resistance still considers the war unfinished,” Sheikh Qassem warned, highlighting Israel’s continuous breach of its commitments and stressing, “Israel’s abuse of power only strengthens the Resistance’s resolve.”
“Resistance is a choice,” he said. “Sometimes it strikes with force, sometimes it deters, sometimes it waits with patience—but it always remains vigilant and ready.”
Addressing Israel directly, Sheikh Qassem stated: “Ask nothing more of us from this day on. Let Israel withdraw, let its aggression cease, let the captives be freed—then, and only then, shall we speak of what comes next.”
Standing Against Injustice
Sheikh Qassem emphasized that the Resistance does not remain passive in the face of oppression and will never surrender. “No one can uproot the Resistance from Lebanese soil,” he said, “for it is woven into the very fabric of Lebanon.”
He asserted that the Resistance is a cornerstone in Lebanon’s progress: “Our fingerprints are present in every milestone, and we are an inseparable part of every positive development this country witnesses.”
Message to Washington: Lebanon’s Sovereignty is Non-Negotiable
In a direct message to the United States, Sheikh Qassem rejected all external pressure aimed at imposing Israeli terms, declaring: “Such terms shall never be realized, no matter how great the sacrifices may be.”
He condemned Washington’s pressure on Lebanese leaders as a form of foreign overreach and an infringement on Lebanon’s sovereignty.
“You will not achieve what you failed to accomplish through war,” Sheikh Qassem told the Americans. “These conditions will never be met.”
To former U.S. President Donald Trump, he offered pointed advice: “Seize the opportunity and free yourself from the burden of Israel.”
Reconstruction: A National Priority
Turning to post-war reconstruction, Sheikh Qassem described it as “the primary pillar of stability” and urged the Lebanese government to act quickly.
“No one can blackmail us with promises of stability or reconstruction,” he declared. “Stability is in our interest and the interest of the entire region.”
He asserted that Israel “will not be able to maintain a presence” in Lebanon, and vowed, “God willing, we shall rebuild our homeland and villages, forging ahead with both construction and liberation hand in hand.”
He revealed that Iraq and Iran had already expressed willingness to support Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts, and that other nations have initiated quiet discussions. “Now it is up to the Lebanese government to rise to the occasion,” he added.
Electoral Integrity and National Inclusion
Addressing municipal and local elections in Lebanon, Sheikh Qassem reiterated Hezbollah’s commitment to holding elections on time as a means of strengthening the state.
He noted that Hezbollah served as a national safeguard throughout the electoral process, particularly in Beirut, where the movement worked to maintain balance and ensure inclusivity, especially toward Christian constituents.
He stressed that Hezbollah approached the elections with a spirit of national unity, aiming to exclude no one and offering cooperation to all Lebanese parties.
Regarding Hezbollah’s alliance with the Amal Movement, Sheikh Qassem reaffirmed that both movements are a vital national and social safety valve, describing their electoral partnership as “strategic.” (PW)
Source: Al-Mayadeen