In the midst of the ongoing military escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem appeared on Friday evening in a televised speech on the occasion of International Jerusalem Day, his second appearance since the party announced its entry into the battle on the night of Sunday – Monday, where he addressed the developments in the confrontation with Israel and the political circumstances surrounding it.
Qassem began his speech by talking about International Quds Day, pointing out that it is the day announced by Imam Khomeini in 1979 to be on the last Friday of the month of Ramadan, considering it an international day to support Palestine and defend the oppressed in the world.
He explained that the symbolism of this day goes beyond Jerusalem and Palestine, as it represents a confrontation between oppressed peoples and arrogant powers, noting that the occupation of Palestine and Jerusalem since 1948 was a major reason for the instability of the region over the past decades.
He pointed out that the Palestinian people made great sacrifices during the recent confrontations, especially during the war that followed the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation, which resulted in massive loss of life and widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip.
He stressed that Hezbollah will remain alongside Palestine on the path of supporting it until complete liberation is achieved, noting that the party in turn made great sacrifices on this path, including the martyrdom of leaders and fighters during the recent confrontations.
Regarding the Lebanese issue, Qassem stressed that Hezbollah is waging a “legitimate defense battle” against Israel, noting that the Israeli aggression against Lebanon continued for 15 months, despite political and diplomatic efforts.
He explained that the party leadership repeatedly discussed the option of a military response during that period, but preferred to give the political path a chance, before taking the decision to respond after the continued attacks and regional developments.
He pointed out that the missiles launched by the party came within the framework of a response to the ongoing aggression, stressing that the party decided to call the current confrontation the “battle of the devastating storm,” considering it a battle to defend Lebanon, its dignity, and its land against Israel.
He stressed that this confrontation is a Lebanese battle that is based on the principle of legitimate defense in the face of aggression.
Qassem criticized what he described as the failure of the diplomatic movement to protect Lebanon, considering that the Lebanese government was unable to achieve sovereignty or protect citizens from Israeli attacks.
He pointed out that the Israeli raids targeted residential areas and civilian institutions, causing the displacement of residents and the destruction of homes.
He said that this policy will not weaken the resistance, stressing that the society that made sacrifices will continue to support it.
Qassem confirmed that the party has prepared itself for a long confrontation, indicating that Hezbollah fighters are ready for a field confrontation.
He added that in this confrontation, the party relies on three basic elements: faith, will, and capabilities that were prepared in advance.
He also addressed the displaced people from the areas affected by the bombing, considering that their steadfastness and endurance are part of the confrontation battle, praising the entities and institutions that contributed to sheltering and supporting the displaced.
Qassem touched on the Israeli threats to assassinate him, sending a message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying that his threats are “without taste,” considering that his escalation and killing will lead to adverse results.
Qassem stressed that the resistance is not the cause of what is happening in Lebanon, considering that the Israeli aggression is the main reason for the escalation.
He said that Lebanon has two options: surrender or continued resistance, stressing that the option of surrender is out of the question.
He explained that the solution to stopping the confrontation is to completely stop the Israeli aggression, Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory, the release of prisoners, the return of residents to their villages, and the beginning of the reconstruction process.
Qassem called on the Lebanese government not to offer what he described as “free concessions,” considering that this encourages Israel to continue escalation.
He also called for unifying the internal position in the face of aggression, stressing that national unity constitutes an essential factor in confronting challenges.
Background: A widespread escalation since the announcement of entry into the battle
Qassem’s speech comes in light of the widespread military escalation witnessed in the Lebanese arena since Hezbollah announced its entry into the battle on the night of Sunday – Monday, when the party announced the launch of the “Devouring Storm” operation, which included launching missile launches towards Israeli positions in northern Israel.
Israel responded with a series of intense air strikes targeting areas in the south, the Bekaa, and the southern suburbs of Beirut, in addition to artillery shelling that targeted a number of towns, which led to martyrs, wounded, and widespread destruction in a number of areas.
During the past few days, Hezbollah also announced the implementation of a series of military operations against Israeli army positions and concentrations along the border, while the Israeli army continues to launch raids and artillery strikes on various areas inside Lebanon.
Qasim’s speech comes at a time when field tension between the two parties is rapidly escalating, amid fears of an expanding confrontation in the region.
