Sheikh Naim Qassem: Israeli plan to eliminate Hezbollah has failed
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem has affirmed that the path of Imam Hussein remains the guiding principle of the Islamic Resistance, declaring that steadfastness, sacrifice, and refusal to submit to oppression continue to shape Hezbollah's strategy in confronting Israeli aggression and foreign pressure.
Speaking during the central Ashura council, Sheikh Qassem stressed that the Resistance draws its inspiration from the stand of Imam Hussein (AS) at Karbala, emphasizing that true victory is measured not merely by military outcomes but by perseverance, steadfastness, and unwavering commitment to justice.
"Al-Hussein is our approach, a standard of victory, rejection of injustice, and jihad in defense of rights," Sheikh Qassem declared. "We do not fear martyrdom, and there are no limits to sacrifice in the path of dignity and liberation."
"Steadfastness Is Victory"
The Hezbollah leader explained that the Resistance's understanding of victory differs from conventional military calculations.
"The interpretation of victory according to our principles is steadfastness and continuity," he said. "As long as we remain present on the battlefield, endure hardships, and refuse surrender, the enemy has failed to achieve its objectives."
Sheikh Qassem accused the Israeli occupation of waging a war without moral or legal constraints, targeting civilians, destroying infrastructure, and employing collective punishment in an effort to force the Resistance to submit.
He further argued that political, economic, military, and media pressure campaigns have been coordinated to weaken the Resistance and isolate its supporters.
Hezbollah Details Alleged Campaign Against the Resistance
In a detailed address, Sheikh Qassem outlined what he described as a comprehensive international effort aimed at eliminating the Resistance movement in Lebanon.
According to the Hezbollah Secretary-General, the campaign includes continued Israeli military aggression, economic pressure, restrictions on reconstruction efforts, attempts to block supply routes, efforts to provoke internal Lebanese divisions, and coordinated political and intelligence activities designed to undermine the Resistance.
He alleged that foreign powers sought to ignite tensions between the Resistance and the Lebanese Army as well as sectarian conflict among Lebanon's communities.
"They worked extensively to create strife between the army and the Resistance, but the wisdom of the army leadership and the awareness of the Lebanese people prevented this plan from succeeding," he said.
Sheikh Qassem also praised what he described as national unity among Lebanese factions that rejected attempts to drag the country into sectarian confrontation.
Resistance Adapted and Reorganized
The Hezbollah chief emphasized that the movement has undertaken extensive reviews of its military and organizational structures in light of recent developments.
He said the Resistance had adapted its combat methods, developed new military capabilities, enhanced drone technologies, and restructured its operational doctrine to meet future challenges.
According to Sheikh Qassem, Hezbollah has also focused on supporting communities affected by the war, helping hundreds of thousands of displaced families with shelter and reconstruction assistance despite severe economic pressures and sanctions.
"We secured repairs and shelter for approximately 300,000 families despite all the obstacles and siege measures imposed against us," he stated.
He also highlighted the continued unity between Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, describing cooperation among Resistance forces as one of the key factors behind their resilience.
"Karbala Decision" and Long-Term Resistance
Sheikh Qassem revealed that Hezbollah has adopted what he termed a "Karbala decision," referring to the spirit of sacrifice and perseverance associated with Imam Hussein's stand against oppression.
"What does a Karbala decision mean?" he asked. "It means there is no ceiling to sacrifice in defending our rights and our land."
The Hezbollah leader stressed that the movement is pursuing a long-term strategy and is prepared for an extended confrontation if necessary.
He added that patience, resistance, military preparedness, political engagement, and social solidarity all form part of Hezbollah's broader approach to confronting challenges facing Lebanon and the region.
"Occupation Will Withdraw"
Concluding his address, Sheikh Qassem expressed confidence that efforts to eliminate Hezbollah and entrench Israeli control in the region would ultimately fail.
"The project aimed at ending Hezbollah and consolidating the occupation has failed," he declared.
He further asserted that the Resistance remains committed to the liberation of Lebanese territory and predicted that Israeli forces would eventually withdraw from all occupied Lebanese lands.
His remarks came as Ashura commemorations across Lebanon continued to highlight themes of sacrifice, steadfastness, resistance to injustice, and solidarity with oppressed peoples, particularly the Palestinian people facing ongoing aggression and hardship. (ILKHA)
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