Sheikh Qassem: US Orchestrating Lebanon’s Collapse to Serve Israeli Aggression
Hezbollah Secretary-General commemorates martyr Hajj Mohammad Afif, warns that Washington’s interference drives economic collapse, political strife, and Israeli assaults on Lebanon
Lebanon, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem commemorated the first anniversary of the martyrdom of prominent media commander Mohammad Afif, praising his exceptional role in shaping the resistance’s media front.
He described Afif as a “shining figure in the media world,” combining powerful writing and oratory skills with deep cultural understanding and strategic awareness.
Sheikh Qassem highlighted Afif’s decade-long leadership of Hezbollah’s media relations department under the supervision of the late Sayyed Nasrallah, noting that Afif’s presence gave media work a unique and influential character.
His ability to adapt to evolving media environments and build relations with a wide spectrum of outlets — both supportive and adversarial — left a lasting mark on resistance media.
After the martyrdom of Sayyed Nasrallah, Afif was the first to propose holding consecutive press conferences to clarify critical issues. Sheikh Qassem praised his commitment to truthful media and his unwavering belief that honest journalism guides society, political leaders, and public decision-making.
The Secretary-General affirmed that Afif was assassinated because he succeeded in strengthening and promoting the resistance’s narrative. He also saluted the journalists in Lebanon who were martyred while uncovering Israeli crimes, describing their sacrifices as a fundamental pillar of the media struggle.
Fortifying the Media Front Against Israeli Aggression
Sheikh Qassem stressed the importance of protecting and monitoring the media arena, emphasizing its central role in exposing Israeli aggression against Lebanon and Palestine. He warned that underestimating resistance media is a grave mistake, as the enemy’s targeting of media professionals is itself evidence of their success in revealing the truth.
He paid tribute to the four martyrs who accompanied Afif in all his missions — Moussa Ahmad Haidar Amin, Hussein Ali Ramadan, Hilal Mohammad Termos, and Mahmoud Ibrahim Al-Sharqawi — describing them as a united force providing critical support throughout Afif’s work.
Israeli Aggression and the Need for Lebanese Unity
Sheikh Qassem condemned the continuous Israeli attacks, describing them as a threat to Lebanon’s security and its social fabric. He warned against internal parties working to serve the Israeli project by weakening national unity.
The Secretary-General reaffirmed that Lebanese unity — Christians and Muslims together — is essential to confronting Israeli assaults, restoring national rights, and freeing remaining Lebanese territories. He called for an end to Israeli aggression, withdrawal from occupied Lebanese land, and the release of prisoners.
He stressed that the Lebanese government bears direct responsibility for developing clear programs to confront repeated Israeli violations. “The aggression is the problem, not the resistance,” he said. “And the Lebanese people will not surrender to the enemy’s demands.”
Warning to the Lebanese Government: Concessions Only Strengthen the Enemy
In a direct message to the Lebanese government, Sheikh Qassem affirmed that Hezbollah is part of the state and genuinely seeks its success in rebuilding and liberating Lebanon. However, he condemned the government’s repeated concessions, arguing that they have failed to produce any results.
He criticized unilateral concessions that have not been reciprocated:
“Lebanon has implemented its obligations with discipline for over a year, while the Israeli enemy has not fulfilled any of its commitments.”
Sheikh Qassem advised the government to adopt a firm stance:
“Say ‘no’ in defense of Lebanon’s rights, and let us stand together — even if some remain beholden to foreign influence.”
He emphasized that Lebanon can achieve independence, liberate its land, and complete the path to sovereignty only through unity among Muslims, Christians, and all regions against Israel and those who stand behind it.
“We want our land, our prisoners, our stability, our economy, and our politics,” he said. “And we have the right to secure these demands as citizens of this state.”
American Guardianship: The Source of Lebanon’s Disasters
Sheikh Qassem dedicated a significant portion of his speech to exposing US interference, describing American tutelage as “a great danger to Lebanon” and the root cause of the country’s crises.
He stressed that:
• America is not a mediator — it is an aggressor.
• Washington directs Israeli aggression and sets political limits for its military escalation.
• The United States has corrupted Lebanon’s political and financial structure since 2019.
• American pressure triggered the collapse of the Lebanese currency and banking sector.
• The pillars of corruption in Lebanon are “mere pawns” implementing US agendas.
• Washington obstructed electricity imports from Egypt and Jordan.
• American interference sabotaged Lebanon’s oil sector through pressure on tendering and operations.
“If you want to know the biggest disasters that have befallen Lebanon,” he declared, “look to America — for it is the source of all these crises and the leader of this destructive approach.”
Sheikh Qassem warned pro-US factions that history repeats itself, reminding them of how the Lahd militia was abandoned by both Israel and the United States once it no longer served their interests.
Protecting Social Institutions Targeted by the US
Sheikh Qassem stressed the importance of the Qard al-Hassan institution as a lifeline for Lebanese citizens during economic hardship.
He condemned US pressure aimed at restricting the institution and called on the government to stop measures that tighten the noose around Lebanese families.
Rejecting Strife and Exposing Internal Destabilization
The Secretary-General warned against incitement and sectarian strife, emphasizing that those attempting to ignite internal conflict are fully exposed and that the Israeli occupation celebrates their actions. However, he affirmed that only truth will prevail and that “the owners of the land will regain it.”
Sheikh Qassem condemned attacks on Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, describing them as unjust, destabilizing, and aligned with foreign tutelage aiming to control Lebanon’s internal political structure.
He defended Berri as a central figure in preserving national stability and preventing strife, stressing that attempts to undermine him serve external agendas.
Electoral Integrity Under Threat from Foreign Influence
Addressing electoral matters, Sheikh Qassem warned against manipulation of the electoral law, particularly attempts to include expatriate votes without ensuring a fair environment. He argued that such approaches risk enabling external agendas and exposing Lebanese voters to pressure abroad, undermining equality and political integrity.
He stressed the need to uphold the current electoral law without disruptions or distortions to protect Lebanon’s political stability.
“Owners of the Land Are the True Victors”
In conclusion, Sheikh Naim Qassem emphasized that those who carry the banner of honor, dignity, and resistance are the true victors — despite all pressures and challenges. He affirmed that the people of the land, through sacrifice, patience, and steadfastness, will reap the fruits of freedom and independence.
He stressed that the resistance, supported by the army and all who believe in Lebanon’s liberation, will remain capable of securing victory, regardless of the intensity of American pressure or Israeli aggression. (PW)