Sheikh Qassem: The Resistance Will Not Be Disarmed, Lebanon Will Not Be Broken
Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Delivers a Defiant Speech Against U.S. and Israeli Pressure During Memorial for Martyr Ali Karaki
Lebanon, ARRAHMAHNEWS.COM - Sheikh Naim Qassem, Secretary-General of Hezbollah, declared that both the United States and the Israeli occupation have realized that the ceasefire agreement in southern Lebanon serves the interests of the Lebanese people and the Islamic Resistance.
As a result, they have attempted to undermine it through pressure and interference on the ground. However, all such efforts, he affirmed, have failed to change the terms of the agreement.
Speaking during a memorial ceremony for the martyred Resistance leader Ali Karaki, codenamed "Abu al-Fadl", Sheikh Qassem warned that Washington is pushing for a new agreement designed to erase all Israeli violations from the past eight months—as though they never occurred.
The Real Goal of the New Agreement: Disarming the Resistance
The Secretary-General explained that the new U.S.-backed proposal is not about peace or balance, but rather about disarming the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon to reassure Israel.
According to Sheikh Qassem, disarmament is the primary motive behind proposing a new agreement to replace the existing one.
He accused the United States of lying when it claims it is not a party to the ceasefire agreement, asserting instead that Washington is actively coordinating this war with Israel and seeking to widen it across the region.
Occupation, Terror, and Hegemony: Three Major Threats Facing Lebanon
Sheikh Qassem identified three imminent dangers confronting Lebanon:
The Israeli occupation in the south,
ISIS-affiliated militants along the eastern border, and
American political and military hegemony, which seeks to control Lebanon, impose a foreign trusteeship, and strip the country of its sovereignty.
These threats, he argued, are part of a broader plan to fragment the region and turn Lebanon into a subservient state.
U.S.-Backed Israeli Expansionism Seeks to Divide the Region
The Hezbollah leader denounced what he described as the U.S.-sponsored Israeli project of establishing a “Greater Israel” by dividing the region along sectarian and geopolitical lines.
He cited statements by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, who warned that Lebanon could face extinction unless it "accelerates change"—a remark Sheikh Qassem interpreted as a call for Lebanon to surrender to Israeli domination.
He warned of efforts to divide Lebanon between Israeli and Syrian influence and said the danger lies in dragging Lebanon into sectarian strife and annexing it to foreign regional powers.
The Resistance Will Not Surrender Its Arms
In a firm declaration, Sheikh Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah’s weapons are non-negotiable. He declared that “Israel will never be handed our weapons,” adding that as long as the Resistance exists, the Israeli occupation will not succeed in achieving its objectives.
He clarified that this is not merely about disarmament but about dismantling the only effective barrier preventing Israeli expansion into Lebanese territory.
Resistance is the Foundation of Lebanon’s Stability and Liberation
Sheikh Qassem reminded the audience of the Islamic Resistance’s legacy, noting that it liberated Lebanese territory from Israeli occupation in 2000, repelled further invasions in 2006, and ensured national stability. During the “People of Might” operation, the Resistance successfully prevented Israeli forces from reaching Beirut.
He reiterated that the mission of the Resistance remains focused on liberating occupied land, defending Lebanon’s sovereignty, and protecting its future from Zionist exploitation and aggression.
No Room for Internal Fragmentation or Sectarian Conflict
Addressing domestic political dynamics, Sheikh Qassem warned against attempts to fragment the Shiite base by sowing discord between Hezbollah and the Amal Movement.
He emphasized the strategic partnership between the two groups, which he said share an understanding of the existential threat facing Lebanon.
He also advised against relying on perceived divisions between Hezbollah and the three presidents of Lebanon, affirming that the country's top leaders possess the wisdom and awareness necessary to navigate the current crisis.
Honoring Martyr Ali Karaki: A Pillar of the Resistance
Sheikh Naim Qassem paid tribute to martyr Ali Karaki, praising his unwavering commitment to the Resistance and his role in shaping its military framework.
Karaki, he noted, never left South Lebanon despite multiple assassination attempts and played a key role in numerous operations, including the planning of the martyrdom operation of Ahmad Qasir alongside commander Imad Mughniyeh.
Following the liberation of South Lebanon, Karaki led the Foundation for the Wounded for two years and later assumed command of the Master of Martyrs Headquarters in 2006. He also served on Hezbollah’s Jihad Council and as a military aide to martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah from 2008 onwards, overseeing operations in Syria against extremist groups. (PW)
Source: Al-Mayadeen