Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem strongly denounced the direct negotiations between the Lebanese government and the Israeli enemy, describing them as a dangerous attempt to impose the “Greater Israel” project on Lebanon.

In a powerful address marking the anniversary of the passing of the Islamic Revolution’s founder, Imam Ruhollah Khomeini, Sheikh Qassem stated that the Washington Declaration, which emerged from these negotiations, clearly outlines the American and Israeli vision aimed at forcing Lebanon into submission. He stressed that any agreement making the disarmament of the Islamic Resistance its top priority would strip Lebanon of its strength, threaten its existence, and serve the interests of the Zionist entity.

“Making the disarmament of the Resistance the primary objective of any agreement means eliminating Lebanon’s strength and creating an existential threat aimed at the destruction of its resisting people,” Sheikh Qassem declared.

He emphasized that these humiliating negotiations are rejected by broad segments of the Lebanese people and represent a path of surrender that loyal patriots will never accept.

Comprehensive Ceasefire Requires Full Israeli Withdrawal

Sheikh Naim Qassem made it clear that Hezbollah demands a comprehensive ceasefire accompanied by the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from all Lebanese territory. He rejected any partial or deceptive security arrangements that would restrict the Resistance while Israeli aggression continues.

“As long as occupation persists, the Resistance will continue,” he affirmed. “We have given no commitment to anyone not to resist aggression… As long as our villages remain unsafe, bombed, destroyed, and our people are being killed, the settlements will not be safe.”

The Hezbollah leader reiterated that the Resistance will continue confronting Israeli aggression with full force until the occupier is expelled from Lebanese land. “The killers of prophets will not settle on our land,” he said, invoking reliance on Allah, the bravery of the fighters, and the support of the resilient Lebanese people.

Gratitude to Iran and Eternal Legacy of Imam Khomeini

Sheikh Qassem expressed deep thanks to the Islamic Republic of Iran for its unwavering support in defending Lebanon and working toward a comprehensive ceasefire. He praised Iran’s steadfastness despite the immense pressures it faces.

At the beginning of his statement, Sheikh Qassem paid tribute to Imam Khomeini, describing him as the reviver of religion and the destroyer of arrogant powers. He highlighted how the Islamic Revolution established a system based on justice, independence, and support for the oppressed, contrasting it sharply with the tyranny and aggression practiced by the United States and Israel.

The statement expressed confidence in the ultimate victory of the “Husayni Resistance” under the guidance of the current Islamic leadership.

Sovereignty, National Unity, and Rejection of External Interference

Sheikh Qassem outlined the clear path to restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty: an end to all forms of Israeli aggression by air, land, and sea; complete withdrawal of occupation forces; deployment of the Lebanese Army south of the Litani River; the return of displaced residents; the liberation of captives; and the reconstruction of damaged areas.

He strongly rejected any external attempts to interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs or to link the existence of the Resistance to any ceasefire agreement. Sheikh Qassem called for national unity in the face of Israeli aggression and urged Lebanese authorities to shoulder their responsibilities, end the “farce” of direct negotiations, and rally the entire nation behind a strong, sovereign Lebanese state.

“We are committed to national unity in confronting aggression, for it is a source of strength for all of us,” he said.

This important statement reaffirms Hezbollah’s unwavering commitment to the liberation of Lebanese land, the protection of national dignity, and the continuation of the Islamic Resistance project inspired by the teachings of Imam Khomeini, Imam Musa al-Sadr, and the martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah (may Allah be pleased with him).

The Resistance remains determined to defend Lebanon’s rights and security, relying on divine support and the sacrifices of its people. (ILKHA)