Vice President of Lebanon’s Supreme Islamic Shiite Council Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib voiced on Wednesday firm stance on ongoing Israeli aggression, rejecting any partial or unilateral ceasefire framework.
Delivering Eid Al-Adha sermon at the Council temporary headquarters in Hazmieh, Sheikh Al-Khatib affirmed that any cessation of hostilities must be “comprehensive and reciprocal,” arguing that continued Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory while restricting response cannot be accepted.
He insisted, meanwhile, that ceasefire arrangements must be tied to full cessation of attacks across all fronts.
“Either ceasefire is comprehensive or not,” he stated, stressing that “killing Lebanese and destroying homes is not permissible while retaliation against enemy army remains prohibited.”
Sheikh Al-Khatib reiterated key demands he linked to the national situation, including complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, return of displaced residents to their villages, launch of reconstruction efforts, release of detainees at Israeli prisons, and initiation of a national dialogue to formulate a defense strategy grounded in state commitments.
He stressed that the “US-Israeli war on Iran and Lebanon has failed to achieve its objectives, whether in terms of toppling the Iranian regime or eliminating the resistance in Lebanon.”
In his sermon, Sheikh Al-Khatib described Eid Al-Adha as a moment symbolizing obedience, sacrifice, and steadfastness, referencing the story of Prophet Ibraham and his son IsmaIl as a model of devotion and readiness to sacrifice for faith and dignity.
He said sacrifice today takes on a “practical dimension” in the current conflict, framing it as part of a broader confrontation over rights, land, and sovereignty. He added that developments on the ground reflect a “sensitive and dangerous phase,” marked by continued Israeli aggression and regional escalation aimed at imposing new political and security realities through force.
Sheikh Al-Khatib accused ‘Israel’ of responsibility for continued violence and destruction, and criticized the United States for political, military, and economic backing, while also directing criticism at internal Lebanese parties undermining national consensus and encouraging escalation. In contrast, he praised support provided by Islamic Republic of Iran to Lebanon.
He further argued that regional dynamics, including tensions involving Iran and Lebanon, are part of a broader confrontation in which external actors seek to reshape outcomes on the ground.
Concluding his remarks, Sheikh Al-Khatib called for national unity, patience, and support for displaced families, urging cooperation amid worsening humanitarian and economic conditions, and expressing hope that Eid Al-Adha would return to Lebanon with security, stability, and relief.
Source: Al-Manar English Website