Hezbollah Secretary General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, emphasized that Hezbollah has prepared itself for a long-term confrontation, asserting that the Israeli enemy lacks the capacity to achieve its goals, while Lebanon’s government has failed diplomatically.
In a keynote address on Al-Quds Day, Sheikh Naim Qassem emphasized the day’s profound spiritual and moral significance, portraying it as a symbol of support for the oppressed, a reaffirmation of independence, and a defense of human freedom free from external pressures.
His Eminence noted that the symbolic importance of Al-Quds Day extends beyond Palestine, representing a call for all oppressed peoples worldwide to break free from tyranny and injustice.
Sheikh Qassem linked the current conflict in Palestine and the broader Israeli-American aggression to the “malignant implantation” in the region that has prevented stability for over seventy years. His Eminence stressed that liberating Palestine would benefit peoples globally, while the ongoing occupation has far-reaching negative consequences.
His Eminence reminded audiences that commemorating Al-Quds Day demonstrates that the Palestinian people are not alone, and responsibility is collective. Citing the recent two-year-long Al-Aqsa Flood confrontation in Gaza, he highlighted the enormous Palestinian sacrifices: 260,000 men, women, and children killed or injured, alongside widespread destruction perpetrated by the Israeli enemy with direct American and Western backing.
Sheikh Qassem also underscored the pivotal role of Imam Khomeini, whose guidance marked a turning point in the Palestinian cause, creating a new stage for strategic focus on liberation.
Hezbollah Vows Continued Support for Palestinian Resistance
He reaffirmed Hezbollah’s unwavering support for the Palestinian resistance, noting the organization’s tangible assistance to Gaza during the Mighty Warriors battle and the immense sacrifices made, including the martyrdom of Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah, Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, and other key leaders and fighters.
“All free people worldwide bear the responsibility to stand with Al-Quds and Palestine. For in doing so, they defend themselves and oppose tyrants who have oppressed nations across the globe.”
Resistance Engaged in Legitimate Defense Against Israeli-US Aggression
Addressing the ongoing Israeli war on Lebanon, Sheikh Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah is engaged in a legitimate defensive struggle against the brutal Israeli-American aggression, describing it as a serious existential threat in every sense of the word.
His Eminence explained that the aggression did not cease after a fifteen-month ceasefire; although its intensity decreased, it continued to advance its objectives using local actors, creating conditions that necessitated direct confrontation. He also stressed that the situation was far from normal, noting that Hezbollah had repeatedly warned of limits to both the continuation of the aggression and the patience of the resistance.
“Hezbollah held three leadership meetings to discuss a response to the aggression but deemed the timing unsuitable, as did several political actors who advised us to give the political process a chance.”
His Eminence revealed that Israeli discussions regarding a major operation against Lebanon centered primarily on timing—whether before, after, or concurrent with the attack on Iran—and stressed that circumstances following the Iranian confrontation, including the martyrdom of Imam Khamenei, made the timing appropriate for confronting the enemy, particularly in light of the fifteen months of ongoing Israeli aggression and occupation of positions in Lebanon.
Sheikh Qassem identified several factors that contributed to Hezbollah’s decision to respond, highlighting that the recent rocket salvo served as a key indicator of the Israeli plans. His Eminence emphasized that the response was purely defensive, stating, “Some say we provoked the enemy with this salvo. We respond: fifteen months of killings, injuries, destruction, and occupation were not provocation. Therefore, we consider this response a legitimate act of defense.”
Eaten Straw Battle: A Legitimate Defense
Sheikh Naim Qassem announced that the group’s leadership has named the ongoing military operation “The Eaten Straw” (Al-‘Asf Al-Ma’koul), emphasizing that the campaign may take time and is conducted in defense of Lebanon, its dignity, and in confrontation with the Israeli enemy.
Sheikh Qassem cited the Qur’anic verse from Surah Al-Fil: “Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the companions of the elephant? Did He not make their plan go astray? And He sent against them birds in flocks, striking them with stones of baked clay, and made them like eaten straw.”
His Eminence explained that the objective of the operation is to bring about a similar decisive outcome against the Israeli enemy.
“Let it be clear. The battle we are waging—the “Eaten Straw”—is Lebanon’s resistance and the Lebanese people’s resistance against Israeli aggression. While other factors may be involved, this does not change the fundamental fact: this is our battle, a Lebanese battle, rooted in legitimate defense in which everyone must participate.”
Israeli Aggression Targets Civilians, Fails Against Lebanese Resistance
Sheikh Qassem condemned the Lebanese government’s failure to achieve sovereignty or protect its citizens. His Eminence affirmed that the Israeli enemy is deliberately targeting civilians, forcibly displacing residents, and carrying out large-scale destruction of homes and infrastructure, including civil institutions such as Al-Qard Al-Hasan, under the pretext of combating resistance fighters.
“Having learned from the ‘Mighty Warriors’ battle, we stress that the enemy is incapable of accomplishing its goals. The resistance now fights using highly mobile tactics, avoiding fixed positions, making Israeli advances ineffective.
Regarding potential ground threats, Sheikh Qassem dismissed them as non-substantive, stating: “This is just one of the failures the enemy will encounter. Every attempted advance or incursion is met with tactical maneuvering by our fighters, allowing them to achieve gains and results through close engagement with the enemy.”
His Eminence stressed that the Israeli enemy cannot achieve its objectives, adding, “When Katz says, ‘If the Lebanese government does not control Hezbollah, we will take control of the territory,’ we respond, ‘Go ahead, try to control it. Let us see if you can maintain stability, sustain your occupation, or assert your presence. You cannot—and you will not—against this resistance, this people, this army, this homeland, and the honorable citizens of Lebanon.”
Sheikh Qassem also pointed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statements urging Lebanon to confront Hezbollah under threat of Israeli strikes on infrastructure as evidence of the enemy’s impotence: “If you are capable, why are you asking the government? You are already committing enough crimes; this only demonstrates your failure in achieving your goals.”
Hezbollah Ready for Prolonged Confrontation
Hezbollah’s Sheikh Naim Qassem affirmed that the resistance is prepared for a prolonged confrontation, promising the enemy surprises on the battlefield. “The threats of the enemy do not intimidate us, and they will witness our strength,” he declared.
“Hezbollah fighters are propelled by extraordinary zeal and devotion, acting as self-sacrificing fighters ready for direct confrontation.”
His Eminence stated, “We are strong through our faith in God, through our will, through our support for justice, and through the preparedness we have cultivated. As God says, ‘O you who believe, if you support God, He will support you and stabilize your feet.’ We uphold the truth, serve the Lord of the worlds, and fortify ourselves through His promise.”
Sheikh Qassem outlined three essential elements of the resistance’s strength: faith in God, steadfast will in support of justice, and the resources and preparations the resistance has made. He emphasized that while there is no exact military parity with the enemy, Hezbollah’s strength lies not only in weapons but also in these three pillars: faith, will, and capability.
Displaced Communities as Partners in Resistance
Sheikh Qassem also addressed the role of displaced and uprooted communities, noting that “Israel” seeks to weaken the resistance by targeting civilians but will not succeed.
Those who belong to the resistance project, who dedicate their children to the cause and raise them with honor, dignity, and moral principles, are the true bearers of resistance, pride, and dignity.”
His Eminence highlighted the steadfastness of those who have sacrificed most, including their children and Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah, affirming, “If the Israelis believe displacement will defeat them, they should listen to what the displaced themselves say: ‘We stand firm with you. We consider our displacement a contribution to the success of the resistance. Trust in God, and we do not wish to return to what we were.’”
Sheikh Qassem noted that displaced populations play an active and willing role in the resistance, and while the hardships, particularly during Ramadan and winter, are painful, endurance is the path to overcoming this stage.
“O honorable families who bear these burdens with patience, your perseverance is a sign of strength and victory. I extend my gratitude to all those—from different sects, regions, and official institutions—who have supported and sheltered the displaced. God willing, your contributions will be a source of pride, and the victory will be shared by all who stood in this historic moment,” Sheikh Qassem said.
Sheikh Qassem to Netanyahu: Corruption Precedes Collapse
Hezbollah’s Sheikh Naim Qassem dismissed Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s threats of assassination, describing them as meaningless.
“Netanyahu threatens me, thinking it will intimidate. Imam Ali, peace be upon him, said, ‘Sufficient for the destined is its guardian.’ When the time comes, no one can prevent it; when it does not, no one can approach it. Your threat is meaningless. Instead, look to your own situation. Netanyahu is among the corrupt whose actions will ultimately lead to failure.”
His Eminence criticized Netanyahu’s escalation of violence and human rights abuses, warning that his policies endanger “Israel” itself: “You should fear for yourself. You have led your people into a dire situation that will collapse along with them. You hide casualties and prevent the truth from being known, but all will be revealed in time.”
Resistance Not the Cause of Aggression
Sheikh Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah is not responsible for the current aggression in Lebanon, declaring, “The Israeli-American aggression is the cause. Resistance is a natural response. Without the resistance over forty years, Lebanon would not have survived. Today, they try to repeat history, but with the resistance, it is impossible.”
His Eminence ruled out surrender, calling it equivalent to enabling Israeli objectives: “Defeat or submission is not in our lexicon. We remain steadfast, ready for any sacrifice, because this is about our existence. This is an existential battle, not a minor or limited one.”
Sheikh Qassem cited local successes against Israeli operations, such as the failed landing in Nabi Sheet, noting that without resistance, the enemy would have carried out house-to-house killings and achieved its aims.
“The aggression must stop, not the resistance. This is our country, and no one will control its fate, decisions, or the lives of its people. We fight with confidence in victory, serving as an unyielding barrier against enemy objectives, strengthened by faith, will, and capability. Killing is their habit; dignity is ours, and martyrdom is our honor.”
Sheikh Qassem outlined the solution to end the confrontation: “Stop the aggression entirely. “Israel” must withdraw from all occupied territories, release prisoners, allow displaced people to return to their homes, and begin reconstruction. Only then can the resistance step back from this battle.”
Lebanese Government Must Confront Enemy, Unite Against Aggression
In his address, Sheikh Naim Qassem urged the Lebanese government to halt gratuitous concessions, warning that such steps only embolden the enemy and prolong the conflict.
“The more you yield, the greedier the enemy becomes. Stand firm, and you are fully justified. They attack your country, your citizens, your future, your dignity, and your children. No region in Lebanon is left untouched. Say ‘no’ to the enemy. Do not offer preemptive, free concessions—Israel does not even respond to them.”
Sheikh Qassem stressed the need for decisive governmental action and national unity: “Raise your voice, cancel decisions against the resistance, and seize this great opportunity to stand together. Do not betray the resistance—unity strengthens us, and it is our greatest asset to thwart Israeli schemes.” His Eminence urged all national partners to prioritize a unified stance to compel Israel’s withdrawal, restore Lebanon, and halt the aggression before pursuing other agendas.
Iran Defends Itself with Honor and Resilience
Regarding aggression against Iran, Sheikh Qassem emphasized: “Iran is under attack. The world sees it. The US and Israel seek to impose their agenda and destroy Iran’s future, civilization, and existence. But Iran defends itself with honor and dignity. Praise be to God, a newly elected leader now guides Iran, and God willing, they will act against the enemies’ objectives.”
He praised the resilience shown during Al-Quds Day demonstrations: “Witness the strength of this demonstration. Despite Israeli threats, it could not be stopped. The people are united, the leadership strong, and security forces committed. This is a people who will not be defeated and will persist.”
Sheikh Qassem concluded by reiterating that the aggression, not the resistance, is responsible for destruction, and the solution lies in deterring and halting it: “This country will not be surrendered to Israel. We refuse to live in humiliation, and we reject anyone exploiting this aggression for personal gain at the expense of other citizens.”
Source: Al-Manar Website