In a speech marking the anniversary of the July 2006 victory, Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem affirmed that this anniversary represents “a great milestone that established an important historical stage in Lebanon and the region,” stressing the importance of stopping at the anniversary of the death of the Prophet Muhammad, who came, in his words, “with a comprehensive human message.”
Qassem touched on the July 2006 war, considering that its beginning was under the pretext of kidnapping two Israeli soldiers, and that carrying out the operation at that time was necessary to liberate the prisoners after communications and attempts were unsuccessful, pointing out that it later became clear that Israel was preparing with the United States for a war in September.
He said that the war ended at that time “with the triple defeat of the Israeli enemy, the army, the people, the resistance, and the liberation of the prisoners,” considering that Israel remained terrified by the results of the war from 2006 until 2023, and that this constituted evidence of the importance of resistance, describing the July War as “a living experience of the importance of resistance.”
Speaking about the battle of “Uli al-Bas” in 2024, Qassem said that among its results, despite its difficulty, was the agreement that stipulated Israel’s withdrawal and the cessation of violations in exchange for the withdrawal of the armed presence from the south of the Litani, accusing Israel of not adhering to any of its provisions.
Qasim accused the authority of working during 15 months to “aim at the resistance instead of the aggressor enemy,” adding that “this authority had other considerations, had other obligations, and was under guardianship.”
He considered that what is happening is an “existential war,” stressing: “We fought a Karbala fight, and whoever bets on surrender is betting on a mirage.”
Qassem described the framework agreement as “neither an agreement nor a framework, but rather Israeli dictates signed by the authority,” considering that Israel would not have practiced, in his words, “all this brutality and genocide had it not been for American support.”
Qassem addressed the authority by saying: “Give us one achievement for the seven negotiating rounds,” calling on it to return to its people and acknowledge its failure.
He considered that “this negotiation will only bring disgrace and disgrace,” wondering whether the daily attacks carried out by Israel are not enough for the authority, which he said escalates during and after the meetings.
Qassem also asked: “How do you accept that the army is exposed to Israeli bombing and pressure, and submit it to a committee that monitors and supervises its work?”
