Sheikh Qassem: U.S. Fuels Israeli Aggression, Seeks to Strip Lebanon of Its Sovereignty
Sheikh Naim Qassem says Washington is not a mediator but the primary sponsor of Israeli attacks; affirms resistance and national unity as the path to liberating land and protecting Lebanon
Lebanon, PUREWILAYAH.COM – Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem reaffirmed that the United States is acting in Lebanon under the guise of mediation while serving as the main sponsor of Israeli aggression, stressing that Washington is not a neutral party but the architect of the occupation’s expansion in Lebanon and the region.
Speaking at the opening of the “Ardi Market” exhibition in Beirut’s southern suburb, Sheikh Qassem said each American envoy visit and every U.S. statement is followed by an escalation in Israeli attacks, proving Washington’s direct complicity.
He noted that U.S. rhetoric habitually portrays the occupation as a benevolent force while placing blame and pressure on Lebanon, attempting to strip the country of its sovereignty and defensive capability in favor of giving “Israel” everything it desires.
“A False Mediator”: U.S. Complicity Exposed
Sheikh Qassem stressed that the United States has never served Lebanon’s interests, asking why Washington remains silent regarding more than 5,000 Israeli violations against Lebanon, including attacks on the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL.
He condemned U.S. criticism of Lebanese officials who call for defending national sovereignty, questioning:
“Has defending our land become a crime? Should the enemy be allowed to advance freely on Lebanese soil?”
He pointed to assassinations, civilian killings, agricultural destruction and incursions — particularly the assassination of martyr Ibrahim Salameh in Blida — as evidence of systematic aggression.
Blida Attack a War Crime; Resistance a National Duty
Sheikh Qassem described the assault on Blida as a blatant war crime, stressing that all Israeli attacks are directed at civilians and essential life infrastructure, violating Lebanon’s right to sovereignty and dignity.
He affirmed that threats and pressure will not deter Lebanon from supporting the resistance, declaring:
“Israel can kill, but it cannot take away the dignity and honor of the people of Lebanon.”
He called on all Lebanese factions to stand united and avoid serving foreign agendas or aiding the enemy in any form.
Government Responsibility: Support the Army, Protect the Nation
The Hezbollah leader emphasized that Lebanon’s government bears the responsibility to uphold sovereignty by confronting Israeli occupation, liberating land and prisoners, rebuilding the country, and strengthening the Lebanese Army.
He praised President Joseph Aoun’s decision to instruct the Lebanese Army to confront Israeli incursions, saying such positions from state leaders, institutions and officials strengthen Lebanon’s united national stance against aggression.
Sheikh Qassem urged the government to adopt a plan to reinforce the army’s capacity to defend South Lebanon, stressing that national unity and a sovereign defense posture are essential to securing stability and reconstruction.
Resistance as the Guardian of Lebanon
Sheikh Qassem highlighted that Lebanon’s struggle has fortified the nation against Israeli aggression for eleven months, asserting that unity among the people, state, and resistance guarantees victory and the liberation of land.
He warned against internal voices that echo Israeli logic, stating that such rhetoric only serves the enemy’s agenda.
Lebanon’s strength, he said, is a proven deterrent:
“Those who resist reclaim their land; those who surrender lose themselves, their land, and their future.”
He called on the occupation to respect the ceasefire obligations, warning that any new agreement must not absolve “Israel” of its crimes.
Land, Sovereignty, and National Identity
Sheikh Qassem emphasized that Lebanon belongs to all its children across all regions and communities, and that real patriotism means standing with every citizen against aggression.
He hailed the people of South Lebanon who returned to their lands and stood firm against Israeli attacks, symbolizing true sovereignty and national pride.
He stressed that “Ardi” market reflects Lebanon’s unity and productive resilience, celebrating local agriculture and industry as pillars of sovereignty and independence.
Sheikh Qassem reaffirmed that the nation’s strength — built through resistance, sacrifice, and attachment to the land — is the guardian of future generations and an unbreakable barrier against colonial ambitions.
(PW)