Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem delivered a powerful address during the opening of the Ashura commemorations at the shrine of martyred leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, reaffirming the Lebanese Resistance’s commitment to defending Lebanon’s land, people, and future against ongoing Israeli threats.

Speaking at the sacred site, Sheikh Qassem emphasized the spiritual and national continuity of the Resistance, describing the gathering as blessed by the presence and legacy of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who remains an inspirer and founder of the movement. He framed the commemoration of Imam Hussein as a guiding path of clarity, steadfastness, and resistance.

Sheikh Qassem highlighted positive regional developments, noting that Iran has emerged as a significant power whose voice carries weight, contributing to shifts that serve the interests of the peoples of the region. He expressed gratitude to the Islamic Republic for its steadfast support of Lebanon’s Resistance, which played a key role in halting Israeli aggression.

Turning to Lebanon, the Hezbollah leader stressed that the Resistance is engaged in an existential battle. “We are not fighting for a piece of land. We are defending our existence, our lives, our land, our future, and our path,” he declared. He warned that since 1948, Israel has sought to weaken and ultimately swallow Lebanon, pointing to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s declared ambitions for a “Greater Israel.”

Sheikh Qassem asserted that the Resistance has successfully disrupted these expansionist plans through heavy sacrifices, preventing what could have led to Lebanon’s disappearance in a few years. “The Resistance and its people paid a heavy price in confronting the most dangerous project directed against Lebanon,” he said.

The Hezbollah official revealed impressive operational figures from the confrontations, stating that the Resistance carried out 3,185 operations, averaging around 30 per day. These included targeting 518 Israeli military vehicles, 85 aircraft, downing 12 drones and 12 quadcopters, and striking a helicopter. Israeli forces suffered 1,347 casualties, according to his remarks.

Sheikh Qassem rejected any narrative of weakness, describing the Resistance as “legendary” and rooted in a powerful triad of faith, will, and capability. He praised the unwavering spirit of fighters, many of whom returned to the front lines despite serious injuries, and affirmed: “We are the land, the soil, the trees, the air, and the flowing blood… We are the decisive weapon on the battlefield.”

On the political front, Sheikh Qassem called for leveraging the current post-agreement phase to achieve full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and secure Lebanese interests. He insisted that any arrangement with Israel must be limited to mutual security guarantees and firmly rejected attempts to impose disarmament on the Resistance.

He urged Lebanese authorities to maintain national unity, keep domestic issues separate from negotiations, and prioritize Lebanon’s sovereignty. The leader warned against direct negotiations with Israel, describing them as “humiliating dictates imposed under fire” that would lead to coerced concessions.

Sheikh Qassem stressed the importance of fully implementing the November 27 understanding, including Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese lands, the return of displaced civilians, and the release of detainees. He affirmed Hezbollah’s support for the Lebanese Army’s deployment south of the Litani River within agreed frameworks, while rejecting any creation of “experimental zones” or safe areas for Israel.

Call for Lebanese UnityIn conclusion, Sheikh Naim Qassem called on all Lebanese to stand united “as one hand” to liberate the land, protect national sovereignty, and secure a better future for the country free from external pressures and aggression.The speech blended religious observance with a clear political message: Lebanon’s Resistance remains a cornerstone of national defense and will continue to safeguard the country’s existence and independence. (ILKHA)