Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem asserts that if Israel continues occupying south Lebanon, it will be met with resistance from the people, army, and resistance groups.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem stated that if the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon persists, it must be confronted by the resistance.
In an interview with Al-Manar TV on Sunday evening, Qassem said that the Lebanese movement had adhered to the ceasefire agreement, while Israel continued to violate it by attacking civilians “far from the border, in their cars and homes.”
“If the Israeli enemy continues its occupation, it will face resistance from the army, the people, and the resistance,” he stated, adding:
“Some believe diplomacy alone can achieve liberation—but history proves otherwise. Resistance is what forced the Israeli occupation out of southern Lebanon in 2000.”
Qassem reiterated that the resistance would not halt or abandon its capabilities in the face of Israeli aggression and occupation.
He also pointed out that following the assassinations of the party’s two former secretaries-general, Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, “many things changed,” as they had been dealing with a security vulnerability, which has since been addressed.
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“After Sayyed Hashem (Safieddine)’s martyrdom, I contacted our military leadership and asked to be briefed on what remains—not what we lost,” the Hezbollah leader said.
“Hezbollah’s structure is vast, and our capabilities are immense. Despite security challenges, we quickly regained control, conducted internal investigations, and held accountable those responsible for lapses,” he added.
Qassem addressed concerns about the future of the Resistance, stating that it is “strong and ongoing, though it has endured sacrifices.”
“Yes, we have made great sacrifices, but we understand that facing Israel, the US, and their allies requires paying a price. We are up against a massive force that has used every means of brutality against the resistance in Palestine and Lebanon,” he said.
Speaking about Lebanon’s domestic politics, Qassem said that the movement believes “in the creation of a state that is capable of securing the people’s interests,” adding that Hezbollah’s “participation in the parliamentary and municipal elections was an integral part of this vision, and it reflects our pioneering experience.”
According to Qassem, “the US is putting great pressure on us, using its regional tools. But we will face this challenge in the appropriate manner.”
Since the ceasefire agreement took effect on November 27, Israel has violated the terms over a thousand times, resulting in at least 85 deaths and 285 injuries, according to official Lebanese data.
(The Palestine Chronicle)
