Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, reaffirmed Lebanon's inseparable link with Palestine during a televised speech on Tuesday. He emphasized that Lebanon and the region cannot be divided from the Palestinian cause, highlighting that "Sayyed Nasrallah has not left us," as Hezbollah fighters continue to carry out battles under his guidance.
Sheikh Qassem underscored his confidence in the Resistance’s eventual victory, expressing that their trust in success is boundless. He described the ongoing war as a broader struggle against Israeli occupation, characterizing Operation Al-Aqsa Flood as a legitimate response to 75 years of occupation, massacres, and aggression.
He reiterated that the Resistance’s support for Palestinians is rooted in a pursuit of justice, stating that their efforts are aimed at curbing Israeli expansionism, which threatens not just Palestine but the entire region, including Lebanon. According to Qassem, Israel’s occupation only ended in Lebanon due to the Resistance’s efforts, and Lebanon remains a target of Israel’s expansionist project.
He dismissed claims that Hezbollah’s support for Palestine serves an Iranian agenda, instead framing the struggle as a Palestinian project, with Iran’s backing being a source of pride. Qassem criticized Israeli attacks on Lebanon, arguing that Hezbollah's actions are defensive, as Lebanon faces an Israeli war.
Sheikh Qassem also addressed the destruction in Lebanon, attributing the damage to Israeli aggression, not the Resistance’s efforts to defend the country. He expressed frustration at the international community's silence and inaction regarding Israel's violations, asserting that Hezbollah would continue to target Israeli military sites in response to attacks on Lebanon.
Regarding the leadership of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Qassem stated that his legacy continues to inspire and guide the Resistance. He reassured supporters that despite Israeli strikes, Hezbollah remains resilient and reorganized, with replacements ready for any leadership vacancies.
In closing, Sheikh Qassem emphasized that the Resistance is fighting with honor, while Israel targets civilians, women, and children. He reaffirmed that Hezbollah’s steadfastness, supported by its people, is the only way to reclaim their land and halt Israeli aggression. Victory, he assured, is near.