Sheikh Qassem Calls for Ending Israeli Aggression and Preserving Lebanon’s Sovereignty
He emphasizes Israeli withdrawal, reconstruction, national unity, and the return of prisoners as urgent priorities for Lebanon.
Lebanon | PUREWILAYAH.COM — The Secretary-General of Hizbullah, Sheikh Naim Qassem, has called for the arming of the Lebanese Army, the holding of parliamentary elections on schedule, and the full restitution of depositors’ funds, stressing that national sovereignty, resistance, and social justice remain inseparable pillars for Lebanon’s future.
Speaking on the anniversary of the martyrdom of resistance leaders Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Sheikh Qassem said Soleimani represented an authentic Islamic and humanitarian model dedicated to the cause of humanity and resistance.
Soleimani’s Mission: Supporting Resistance and Confronting US Plans
Sheikh Qassem stated that the late Soleimani devoted his life to supporting resistance movements and thwarting the strategic plans of the United States in the region.
He affirmed that the Iran has played a pioneering role in supporting resistance movements and standing with causes of justice and humanity, while highlighting the sacrifices of the Palestinian people in confronting aggression, stressing that they refused to submit.
Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq as Models of Sacrifice and Resistance
Sheikh Qassem described Lebanon as a model of dignity, sacrifice, and liberation through its resistance, people, and army.
He also paid tribute to the Yemeni and Iraqi peoples for standing in defense of truth and confronting aggression, noting that the defeat of ISIS in Iraq led directly to the targeting and martyrdom of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
He stressed that assassinations of resistance leaders will not obstruct the path of resistance, but will instead strengthen and accelerate it.
Shared Vision With Iran Does Not Undermine National Identity
Addressing criticism of resistance movements’ alignment with Iran, Sheikh Qassem said that ideological and political convergence between resistance forces and the Islamic Republic does not undermine national sovereignty or patriotism.
He stated that the Zionist entity, Israel, was implanted in the region by Western powers to impose cultural and economic domination.
According to Sheikh Qassem, the victory of Iran’s Islamic Revolution reshaped the regional landscape, curtailed colonial projects, and limited Israel’s expanding influence.
Sheikh Qassem rejected claims that Iran supports resistance movements for political or economic gain, stating that Tehran provides support without imposing conditions or seeking returns.
He contrasted Iran’s approach with that of colonial powers, which intervene in the region solely for economic and strategic interests, emphasizing that Iran has never imposed changes on the internal affairs of states or peoples.
Hezbollah’s Vision: A Sovereign, Free, and Capable Lebanon
Sheikh Qassem reiterated that Hezbollah’s commitment to resistance stems from both faith and national interest, adding that building a capable and just state is equally central to the party’s vision.
He stressed that confronting corruption and rejecting occupation are core principles for Hezbollah, while expressing pride in the party’s relationship with Iran, which he said has given support without demanding anything in return.
He sharply condemned submission to American tutelage, the justification of Israeli occupation, and the normalization of Israeli aggression, describing such positions as a source of shame.
Priorities: Ending Aggression, Elections, and Social Justice
Sheikh Qassem emphasized that Lebanon’s immediate priorities must include ending aggression, ensuring Israeli withdrawal, launching reconstruction efforts, and securing the return of prisoners.
He also called for parliamentary elections to be held on schedule, the full and uncompromised return of depositors’ funds, the arming of the Lebanese Army to protect national security, and justice for public sector employees to enable state institutions to function effectively.
He concluded by reaffirming that Hezbollah seeks a Lebanon that is sovereign, free, independent, and capable, calling for dialogue, national consensus, and unity in confronting external threats. (PW)