Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem on Saturday warned that the Israeli occupation poses a direct and ongoing threat to Lebanon, stressing that surrendering to Israeli and American demands would spell the end of the country’s sovereignty.

Speaking at a ceremony organized by Hezbollah’s Women’s Action Unit, Sheikh Qassem firmly rejected calls to disarm the Resistance, saying such demands are “Israeli-American demands, not Lebanese ones,” and amount to stripping Lebanon of its strength and ability to defend itself.

“With surrender, there would no longer be a Lebanon,” he said, underscoring that the Resistance remains a fundamental pillar in protecting the country from Israeli aggression.

Sheikh Qassem stressed that any discussions that undermine the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement reached on November 27, 2024, are “of no value.” He accused Israel of continuing its aggression despite the agreement, warning that these actions threaten the entire country, not just Hezbollah.

“We view everything that Israel is doing after the agreement as a continuation of aggression, which endangers Lebanon as a whole,” he said.

Addressing the issue of national defense, the Hezbollah leader said deterrence is fundamentally the responsibility of the Lebanese state and the Lebanese Army, describing the Resistance’s past deterrent role as “an exception” imposed by circumstances.

He reiterated Hezbollah’s readiness to engage in dialogue with Lebanese authorities and relevant parties on a national defensive strategy, while categorically rejecting “any framework of surrender to America and Israel.”

“The Resistance supports the state and assists in liberation efforts,” Sheikh Qassem said, adding that cooperation must be based on preserving Lebanon’s sovereignty and dignity.

Sheikh Qassem said Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah’s former Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other senior leaders was aimed at eradicating the Resistance entirely. However, he said the battle of “People of Might” thwarted that objective.

“If a war is imposed on Lebanon, the Israeli enemy will not achieve its goals,” he declared.

Addressing Washington directly, Sheikh Qassem said the Lebanese people would defend themselves regardless of the cost. “Let America know, we will defend ourselves; even if the sky were to close in upon the earth,” he said, adding that the Resistance would not relinquish its weapons “even if the whole world were to unite against Lebanon.”

In his speech, Sheikh Qassem outlined four key achievements of the Resistance: the liberation of occupied Lebanese territory, steadfast endurance under pressure, deterrence of Israel from 2006 to 2023, and preventing the invasion and uprooting of Lebanese land.

He warned that Israeli domination would leave “no place for Muslims nor for Christians in Lebanon,” framing the struggle as one of national survival rather than sectarian interest.

Sheikh Qassem said the Lebanese government now bears responsibility for safeguarding sovereignty and independence, noting that Hezbollah has fulfilled its commitments under the ceasefire agreement and continues to support state institutions.

He cautioned against American-Israeli plans targeting Lebanon, urging the government not to make further concessions. He also claimed that US Ambassador Tom Barrack seeks to merge Lebanon with Syria, a move he said would marginalize minorities and drive migration.

The Hezbollah leader paid tribute to women supporting the Resistance, praising mothers, daughters, wives, and grandmothers as “banners of pride, morality, and patriotism,” and emphasizing their role in raising future generations.

“You are partners in shaping the future of our homeland, Lebanon,” he said.

Sheikh Qassem also reaffirmed allegiance to the “covenant of the Resistance,” referencing the pledge renewed during the February 23, 2025 funeral procession of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine. He further praised the late Sheikh Nabil Qaouk, describing him as a pivotal figure in the Resistance’s history.

The speech underscored Hezbollah’s continued defiance amid mounting regional pressure, reaffirming its position that armed resistance remains essential to Lebanon’s defense and sovereignty. (ILKHA)