Beirut [Lebanon], March 26 (ANI): In a defiant televised address, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem declared that the Lebanese movement has chosen the “path of confrontation over surrender,” asserting that its forces are prepared to counter what he described as a “US-Israeli project” with a willingness to sacrifice “without limits.”
According to a report by Iran’s state-owned Press TV, Qassem framed the current escalation as an existential struggle for Lebanon’s territorial integrity and future.
In his statement released Wednesday, Qassem said the country stands at a critical crossroads, presenting two stark options: “either surrender and relinquish land, dignity, sovereignty, and the future of our generations, or engage in inevitable confrontation and resist the occupation to prevent it from achieving its goals.”
He maintained that the group’s proactive stance “denied the Israeli enemy the element of surprise” and effectively “nullified all pretexts” for further incursions.
The Hezbollah chief praised the perseverance of his fighters, claiming they “have written the most magnificent epics of heroism, honor, patriotism, and dignity.” He described them as being “ready to sacrifice endlessly,” calling them a “shining symbol of nationalism and the beacon of the coming liberation.”
He also extended his remarks to Lebanese civilians affected by displacement, stating they have “endured as sacrificers and resistors” to secure an “honorable future for their homeland.”
Central to Qassem’s remarks was the alleged existence of a “Greater Israel” expansionist agenda. He warned that this “dangerous US-Israeli project” seeks to extend regional control “from the Euphrates to the Nile, including Lebanon.”
According to the Hezbollah leader, aggression against Lebanese territory has been ongoing since late 2024, with the “Israeli enemy” repeatedly breaching previous ceasefire agreements.
To counter this perceived threat, Qassem issued an urgent call for national unity aimed at “stopping the aggression to liberate the land and its people.” He emphasized that internal political disputes should be set aside, stating that “national unity frustrates our enemy from occupying our country” and provides the necessary “solidarity and cooperation” for future reconstruction.
Addressing domestic policy, Qassem urged the Lebanese government to rescind measures that “criminalize resistance.” He warned that demands for the “exclusivity of weapons” while the country remains under threat would facilitate “Lebanon’s demise” and the expansion of the “Greater Israel” plan.
He also firmly rejected any negotiations while active conflict persists, stating that “negotiating with the Israeli enemy under fire constitutes forced surrender.”
On the regional front, Press TV reported Qassem’s remarks on Iran’s ongoing standoff with Western and Israeli forces. He described Iran’s resilience as “a lesson for reflection,” asserting that any “victory against America and Israel brings good to all.” He added that this dynamic reinforces what he called a “defensive battle for Lebanon,” which he described as a “national responsibility for everyone.”
The speech comes as Hezbollah has reportedly intensified its operations following the outbreak of wider hostilities on February 28. By targeting military installations in northern Israel, including Haifa, Nahariya, and Kiryat Shmona, the group claims to have tied down significant Israeli ground forces, creating strategic pressure on the Israeli home front as the conflict continues to evolve. (ANI)
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