Sheikh Qassem: Hezbollah Has the Right to Respond to the Assassination of Martyr Tabatabai
In a memorial ceremony for Martyr Hajj Haitham al-Tabatabai, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General affirms the Resistance’s readiness, rejects Israeli-American pressure
Lebanon, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem delivered a powerful speech during the memorial ceremony for the martyred senior military commander Sayyed Haitham Ali al-Tabatabai — Abu Ali — and his comrades at Sayyed al-Shuhada Complex in Beirut’s southern suburb.
Sheikh Qassem highlighted the defining qualities of the fallen commander, describing him as a leader of “remarkable wisdom in planning, battlefield management, and post-battle preparedness,” noting that he had served on multiple fronts — in Lebanon, against takfiri groups in Syria, and in support of the Resistance in Yemen.
He stressed that Martyr Abu Ali played a central role in the Battle of Awliya’ al-Ba’s, calling him “truly the master of that battle in terms of military organization, coordination of fire, and expert integration of rockets and drones.”
Following the battle, he was officially appointed as a senior military official responsible for directing Hezbollah’s military operations.
Assassination Aimed at Undermining the Resistance, But “Its Goal Will Not Be Achieved”
Sheikh Qassem stated that the purpose behind the assassination of Commander al-Tabatabai was to shake the internal structure of the Resistance:
He affirmed: “The goal of the assassination is to strike morale and disrupt organization and task distribution.”
However, he declared firmly: “The enemy’s objective has not and will not be achieved.”
Sheikh Qassem reminded the audience that Hezbollah is a deeply rooted movement shaped by the legacy of Imam Hussein (a.s.) and the school of martyrs: “This party has given great leaders, great martyrs, and great sacrifices. In every period we renew our capabilities and restore our strength.”
“We Have the Right to Respond” — Hezbollah’s Position on the Attack
Addressing what Hezbollah will do in response to the assassination, Sheikh Qassem was unequivocal:
“This is a blatant attack and a fully defined crime. It is our right to respond — and we will determine the timing.”
Sheikh Qassem emphasizing that the Resistance will not allow such aggression to pass without accountability.
He also revealed that four other members were martyred alongside Abu Ali while preparing for upcoming operations, calling them a source of great pride.
“Alongside Sayyed Abu Ali, four brothers were martyred. They were gathered together to prepare for the upcoming work, and they are a source of great pride for us.”
Exposing Israeli Penetration and the Role of Foreign Intelligence
Sheikh Qassem acknowledged that Lebanon is an open battlefield, noting that arrests of spy networks had already taken place in recent periods.
He added that Israeli intelligence operates with “great comfort” due to the presence of foreign nationals and coordination with “American, Arab, and international intelligence.”
He stressed the need to address vulnerabilities and correct mistakes in order to strengthen the internal front.
One Year After the Ceasefire: A Day of Victory for Lebanon
Marking the first anniversary of the ceasefire, Sheikh Qassem said the day represents a victory for the Resistance and for the Lebanese people because it prevented the enemy from achieving its goal of eliminating Hezbollah.
He stated: “The agreement came because we stood firm, because our fighters showed legendary performance, and because our allies, our people, and the Lebanese Army were with us.”
He added that Israel’s attacks were aimed at destroying the Resistance: “They killed our leaders and our fighters, and they destroyed, but they could not end the Resistance.”
Israeli Aggression Targets All of Lebanon, Not Just Hezbollah
Sheikh Qassem emphasized that Israeli aggression is directed at the entire country, citing attacks on civilians, the economy, national sovereignty, and even state leadership:
“Is there not aggression against the president, the army, and the people? Do you not see drones flying above the presidential palace and the government headquarters?”
He affirmed that Lebanon is currently subjected to an ongoing Israeli air occupation.
On Deterrence: The State Must Defend Its People — and Hezbollah Has Already Done So
Sheikh Qassem said the responsibility of deterring the enemy lies first with the Lebanese state, which must protect citizens and prevent Israeli encroachment.
He explained that Hezbollah has filled the vacuum left by the absent state, noting the Resistance’s role in liberation in 2000, protection after 2006, and confronting Israel since 2023 — including in the Battle of Awliya’ al-Ba’s.
“Israel knows that as long as the Resistance exists, it cannot settle in our land.”
Rejecting Israeli-American Pressure and Threats of War
Sheikh Qassem rejected all calls made under Israeli and American pressure to weaken Lebanon’s defensive strength:
“Weapons are a problem only for Israel’s project. Whoever seeks to remove them serves Israel.”
He condemned those aligning with American and Israeli demands, saying:
“O servants of Israel, fear God and stand with your people.”
Regarding threats of a broader war, he said these are tools of pressure, noting that the enemy had escalated its rhetoric after finding that earlier threats were ineffective.
He stated: “A wider war is possible, and not having a war is also possible. They know that with this people, this Resistance, and this spirit, defeat is impossible.”
If the Aggression Continues, the Government Must Prepare for Confrontation
Sheikh Qassem urged the Lebanese government to take action if Israeli attacks persist, including reconsidering army deployment in the south and reviewing mechanisms that have effectively turned Lebanese forces into tools for Israeli interests.
He underscored the essential principle:
“Our standard is independence and freedom. The standard of those who surrender is a life of humiliation. We will not accept humiliation.” (PW)