Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem reaffirmed on Wednesday that the movement remains the cornerstone of Lebanon’s strength, asserting that its role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty is inseparable from efforts to build the Lebanese state.

Speaking at a mass ceremony in Beirut’s southern suburbs marking the first martyrdom anniversary of Resistance commander Sayyed Fouad Shokr, Sheikh Qassem delivered a powerful address underlining that the Resistance will never abandon its duty to defend the homeland against the Israeli regime and its plots.

“We are committed to the path of Resistance to liberate our land using precise means directed solely at the Israeli enemy, alongside the political path to build the state. We will not accept being forced to choose between resistance and state-building,” he declared.

Resistance and State-Building: Two Complementary Paths

Sheikh Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah does not compete with the state but stands as a protector of its sovereignty.

“Resistance is against Israel, while state-building is for the citizen. The Resistance was born as a reaction to the Israeli occupation, and it does not usurp anyone’s responsibility. The army and the people are partners in this mission—and we salute them for their sacrifices,” he stated.

The Hezbollah leader pointed out that the recent ceasefire agreement brought certain gains to both sides—something natural in any negotiated settlement.

“We assisted the state in implementing the agreement south of the Litani River. Those linking this ceasefire to the disarmament of the Resistance must understand: this is an internal Lebanese matter. Those who assumed Hezbollah had grown weak were proven wrong by the massive political and popular support shown during the funerals of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Safieddine, and through the municipal elections,” Sheikh Qassem said.

Ceasefire and the Zionist Threat

Sheikh Qassem revealed that guarantees had been given to ensure enemy compliance with the ceasefire, but the envoy later withdrew such commitments.

“Barrack came with threats—talking of dragging Lebanon into Syria and escalating the aggression—but was surprised by the unified stance of Lebanon’s three presidents, all demanding an end to the Zionist aggression before any other discussion,” he recounted.

The enemy, Sheikh Qassem warned, has not abandoned its expansionist agenda: “The Zionists are not stopping at the five occupied points—they await the disarmament of the Resistance to expand their settlements. The agreement may have brought safety to northern settlements, but has Lebanon achieved security?”

An Existential Struggle Against the New Middle East Project

He warned that Lebanon faces an existential threat from Israel, Daesh (ISIS), and American-led schemes under the banner of the so-called “New Middle East”.

“All the assassinations, demolitions, and massacres are part of the Zionist expansionist project. Lebanon will never be an extension of Israel as long as we breathe and say ‘La ilaha illa Allah’ (There is no god but Allah). We will never accept peace or recognition of Israel,” Sheikh Qassem affirmed.

He stressed that calls to disarm the Resistance are nothing but attempts to strip Lebanon of its power and expose it to the enemy.

“Barrack’s mission is not to preserve Lebanon’s internal security but to serve Israel. No one competes with the state over the right to arms in defending the nation. We have sold our skulls to Allah; we live and die with dignity in our homeland. We are the disciples of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him). We endure, even if many of us are martyred, because the occupation will not last,” His Eminence stated.

Reconstruction, Not Submission

Sheikh Qassem reiterated that ending Israeli aggression must be the priority before any talk of disarmament.

“Every call to surrender arms is a call to relinquish Lebanon’s strength. Arms are not more important than reconstruction, but neither can reconstruction proceed under aggression. The state must protect its citizens and rebuild the nation, even if the United States blocks support and pressures Arab states. Reconstruction is an investment in Lebanon’s revival, not a burden,” he said.

He made clear that any internal or external voice calling for Hezbollah’s disarmament is serving the Israeli project.

“Stop the aggression, end the attacks, free the captives—then we can have meaningful discussions,” Sheikh Qassem stressed.

Honoring Martyrs: Sayyed Fouad Shokr and the Legacy of the Resistance

In a deeply emotional tribute, Sheikh Qassem recalled the life of martyred commander Sayyed Fouad Shokr, a founding figure in Hezbollah’s military leadership.

“Sayyed Fouad Shokr led the ‘Covenant Group’ before 1982, pledging to confront Israel on the frontlines. For 35 years he awaited martyrdom after his brethren fell in battle. He was devoted to Imam Khomeini, faithful to the leadership of Imam Khamenei, and among the founding generation of the Resistance,” Sheikh Qassem said.

He recounted Shokr’s role in pivotal battles such as Kafra and Yater following the assassination of Sayyed Abbas Al-Moussawi, his leadership in Bosnia, and his establishment of Hezbollah’s naval unit.

“Sayyed Fouad was strategic, resilient, and spiritually connected to Lady Fatimah Al-Zahraa and Imam Hussein. I extend condolences and congratulations to his family, Hezbollah, and all believers in this path,” he declared.

Solidarity with Palestine and Gaza

Sheikh Qassem also saluted the soul of martyred Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh, praising his role in elevating the Palestinian cause.

“Israel and America commit daily crimes in Gaza—starvation, massacres, bombing tents, murdering children and pregnant women—all to force surrender. But this people will never surrender. Where are the Arabs? Where is the world? Human rights? We need action, not just condemnation. The world must oppose Israel by all means—even militarily,” he urged.

Sheikh Qassem welcomed freed Lebanese fighter Georges Abdallah, praising his steadfastness through 41 years of imprisonment.

“Welcome, Georges. You have a shining place in Lebanon. Your struggle is part of the united Resistance path that transcends sects and movements,” Sheikh Qassem said. (ILKHA)