Sheikh Qassem: Battlefield Sets the Terms, Resistance Remains on Alert Despite Ceasefire

Hezbollah chief outlines the central role of military outcomes in shaping political gains, rejects U.S. framing of the ceasefire, and sets conditions for the next phase.

Beirut, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem said the outcome of the recent confrontation has reinforced the decisive role of the battlefield in shaping political outcomes, stressing that military achievements must be translated into leverage to secure Lebanon’s rights and sovereignty.

In a statement issued Saturday, Sheikh Qassem framed the ceasefire not as a diplomatic concession, but as a direct result of sustained resistance operations on southern frontlines, describing the performance of fighters as decisive despite the imbalance in military power.

Battlefield Outcomes Define Political Leverage

Sheikh Qassem stated that political success is contingent on the ability to convert battlefield gains into enforceable outcomes, emphasizing that such a process must take place within a framework of national unity that prevents internal division and external interference.

He said the resistance demonstrated resilience and operational effectiveness under pressure, arguing that the conflict showed that determination and preparedness can offset disparities in resources.

According to him, Hezbollah’s fighters maintained a level of engagement that not only halted the advance of Israeli forces but also forced a recalculation of objectives.

He added that public support across Lebanon played a central role in sustaining resistance efforts, describing national cohesion as a key factor in maintaining strategic balance.

Ceasefire Framed as Outcome of Resistance Pressure

Sheikh Qassem said the temporary ceasefire would not have been possible without sustained battlefield pressure, asserting that resistance operations compelled the Israeli side to halt its advance.

He linked the ceasefire to broader regional dynamics, including support from Iran and diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan and other parties.

At the same time, he made clear that the ceasefire does not alter Hezbollah’s operational posture, stating that the group remains in a state of full readiness.

Rejection of U.S. Narrative and Diplomatic Framing

A central part of Sheikh Qassem’s remarks focused on rejecting a U.S. State Department statement issued after the ceasefire took effect.

He described the document as lacking practical value and criticized its presentation as a joint agreement between Lebanon and Israel, arguing that the Lebanese government had not formally approved such wording.

According to him, the statement reflected an attempt by Washington to impose a narrative and speak on behalf of Lebanon without its consent.

He also criticized the broader diplomatic environment, referring to meetings involving major powers as attempts to impose outcomes on smaller states without genuine representation.

Conditions for the Next Phase

Sheikh Qassem outlined a set of conditions for moving forward, emphasizing that any ceasefire must involve a complete halt to all forms of aggression and cannot be one-sided.

He said Hezbollah remains on alert and will respond proportionately to any violations, underscoring that trust in the Israeli side does not exist.

He listed key demands, including:

• a permanent cessation of hostilities across all domains

• withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied areas

• release of detainees

• return of displaced populations

• reconstruction supported by regional and international actors

Resistance Position and Strategic Outlook

He said Hezbollah remains open to coordination with Lebanese authorities in shaping a new phase based on sovereignty and national unity, while rejecting external influence over Lebanon’s political direction.

Sheikh Qassem concluded by affirming that the resistance remains intact and has not been defeated, attributing its endurance to the sacrifices of its leadership, fighters, and supporters.

Full Statement

The battlefield has proven itself to be the ultimate arbiter. Successful politics is that which draws strength from its outcomes, using them as leverage to compel the Israeli enemy into submission, in order to secure Lebanon’s rights and those of its citizens over their land and sovereignty, within a framework of national cooperation and unity that blocks the doors to sedition and foreign exploitation of our country.

A temporary ceasefire would not have been achieved without the struggle of the resistance fighters on the honorable southern frontlines, in an epic performance that astonished the world, and in steadfast martyrdom-level resilience in the face of the Israeli-American enemy, despite the vast imbalance in military power. The resistance fighters have proven that their three-dimensional weapon—faith, will, and capability—is stronger than all the armies of the aggressors, and that in Lebanon there are those who sacrifice everything precious for liberation, dignity, and independence.

Their advance toward this noble goal is not hindered by the presence of the weak, the discouragers, or those who stab in the back, because they have first dedicated themselves to God Almighty. They are supported by an honorable and self-sacrificing people who endured killing, destruction, displacement, and the costs of dignity and honor—people from all sects, denominations, and regions. Their direction is southern Lebanon, because all of Lebanon is its south; when the south smiles and is liberated, all of Lebanon smiles and is liberated.

First and foremost, thanks to God Almighty, who is the Helper and the Victor. Thanks to the heroes of the resistance who broke the advance of the Israeli enemy despite its mobilization of one hundred thousand soldiers on the border. The enemy was unable to reach the Litani River neither in the first week as it had planned, nor within 45 days during the “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.”

Thanks are also extended to the sacrifices of the people, supporters, and loved ones.

Thirdly, appreciation is due to the Islamic Republic of Iran—its leadership and its people—for its support and backing, which linked the ceasefire to an agreement in Pakistan for halting it in Lebanon as explicitly stated in the official announcement. It then closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to American violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon, after which American submission followed and the Israeli enemy was forced to halt, leading to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. We have followed this process moment by moment.

We also extend gratitude to the sponsorship of Pakistan and all those who contributed, even through statements of support for the ceasefire in Lebanon.

We read a post issued by the US State Department titled: “Ceasefire Agreement Between Lebanon and Israel – April 2026,” released after the ceasefire came into effect. While it carries no practical value, it constitutes an insult to our country, Lebanon, as the United States dictates its text and speaks on behalf of the Lebanese government.

The statement begins by saying: “The Government of Israel and the Government of Lebanon have agreed on the following statement,” while everyone knows that the Lebanese government did not convene and did not approve this statement. It is enough of Lebanon being subjected to humiliation—through direct negotiations with the Israeli enemy and submission to its dictates, and through the disgraceful image in Washington where tyranny gathers around its prey, issuing positions on behalf of Lebanon. This is a dangerous slope with no end.

Enough. Lebanon’s people are honorable and will remain so through solidarity and cooperation between the army, the people, the resistance, and political authorities who seek Lebanon’s independence and liberation.

A ceasefire means a complete halt to all aggression. Because we do not trust this enemy, the resistance fighters will remain in the field with their hands on the trigger, responding to violations proportionately. There is no ceasefire on one side only; it must be mutual. We will not accept a continuation of the fifteen-month approach of enduring Israeli aggression in anticipation of diplomacy that achieved nothing.

The next step is the implementation of the five points:

A permanent halt to aggression across Lebanon—air, land, and sea.
Withdrawal of the Israeli enemy from occupied territories up to the borders.
Release of prisoners.
Return of residents to their villages and towns up to the borders.
Reconstruction with Arab and international support, and national responsibility.

Hezbollah is open to the fullest cooperation with the Lebanese authorities in building a new phase based on the achievement of Lebanon’s sovereignty, within a framework of unity, prevention of sedition, and investment in the elements of strength within a national security strategy. We will build Lebanon together, prevent foreign guardianship, and stop the Israeli enemy from achieving its goals through political means, translating sovereignty and citizen protection into clear policies and plans.

Israel and the tyrants of the world have not defeated us, nor will they defeat us—especially after the sacrifices of the martyrs, foremost among them the Sayyid of the martyrs of the Ummah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah (may God be pleased with him), Sayyed Hashem, all the martyrs, the wounded, the prisoners, and this great people.

Lebanon will remain with its head held high through its self-sacrificing sons. (PW)