The newly appointed head of the Lebanese Resistance Movement said Hezbollah will continue to fight to thwart the Israeli regime’s plots against the entire region.
Sheikh Naim Qasem warned that the regime and its Western and European backers were working on “serious plans” to control the region.
He told the audience in his first televised address on Wednesday that his practical plan is to continue the work of late leader Saeed Hassan Nasrallah.
“We will continue to implement the war plan set by Syed Nasrallah and continue on the path of war within the established political direction.”
Hezbollah Secretary-General stressed that assistance to Gaza is essential to confronting the danger posed by the Zionist regime to the entire region.
Hezbollah was founded in 1982 to confront Israeli occupation and its expansionist intentions and liberate occupied lands, Qasem said.
He also addressed criticism that resistance in Gaza and Lebanon provoked Israeli aggression. He appealed to the people to remember 75 years of Israeli atrocities and the role of resistance in ending the occupation of Lebanon.
“Some claim that Israel was provoked, but does it need an excuse? We have forgotten 75 years of killing, displacing, depriving Palestinians of their land and sanctity, and committing genocide. Is it?”
“It is the resistance that worked with the military and the people in the past to drive Israel out of our country. The international resolution did not drive Israel out of our country. Rather, it was the resistance,” he said.
“Resistance facing important projects”
Sheikh Qassem said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself said at the start of Israel’s invasion of Lebanon that it was for a “new Middle East.”
“We face an important project in the region. This is a war that extends beyond Lebanon and Gaza. It is a global war against resistance.”
“This Zionist war is American, European and global in nature, seeking to eliminate regional resistance.”
“All forms of brutality and extermination are being used in this invasion to further their agenda, and we must stand up to this rather than stand by.”
Hezbollah leaders said the conflict undermined confidence in Western values, given Western prejudice against Israeli barbarism.
“Resistance that creates the future of the region”
The Hezbollah leader stressed that the region’s resistance is fighting for a dignified future.
“The legendary tenacity of the resistance in Gaza and Lebanon is an epic of dignity. It will shape the future of our generation.”
Sheikh Qassem clarified that Hezbollah is not fighting on behalf of any political party, but defending Lebanon.
“No one fights for us and we don’t fight for anyone else. Our project is to protect our land and protect our country.”
He also praised Iran’s support for the Lebanese resistance. Sheikh Qasem said Iran has never asked for anything in return for the aid.
“Iran understands the price to pay for supporting the resistance, and through the martyr General Soleimani, we have offered Iran what no one else has offered.”
“We will fight on our own land and liberate occupied territories. No one will demand anything from us and no one will impose anything on us.”
“Sinwar’s heroic symbol”
Sheikh Qasem thanked the Hezbollah Executive Committee for choosing him to lead the movement and considered this decision a sign of trust.
“This trust is rooted in the words of Saeed Abbas al-Mousawi (Hezbollah’s first leader): ‘The basic commandment is to maintain resistance.’”
“This confidence reflects the confidence of the great leader Syed Hassan Nasrallah. I remembered his words when Syed Abbas al-Musawi was martyred. But his blood continues to boil in our veins and our resolve. ”
In his speech, Sheikh Qassem expressed his condolences over the martyrdom of Hezbollah Executive Council Chairman Saeed Hashem Saffieddin. He described Saeed Saffieddin as an “organized person” who kept pace with his work, had a keen vision, looked after the fighters and worked to meet the needs of the front lines.
“He was one of the most prominent people Syed Hassan Nasrallah trusted.”
Sheikh Qassem also expressed condolences over the martyrdom of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, hailing him as a “symbol of heroism and resistance” for Palestinians and free peoples around the world.
“He was martyred, fighting until his last breath. Steadfast, brave, loyal, just, dignified, and free.”
Sheikh Qassem said to Nasrullah: “You were, and always will be, the standard-bearer of a victorious resistance. Beloved by fighters. A treasure trove of hope. Herald of victory. Cherished by those seeking a life of dignity.”
“Hezbollah’s ultimate winner”
Referring to the ongoing conflict with Zionist forces, Sheikh Qasem said the resistance movement had recovered from the assassination of its leader by the regime.
“Hezbollah is a large and cohesive organization with incredible capabilities, and this site proves and confirms that Hezbollah has bounced back from the attacks it has faced.”
He said Hezbollah has grown stronger and more experienced over the years and now has the capabilities needed for long-term battlefield combat.
Sheikh Qassem said that the frontline fighters are full of faith and courage and no one can go against them. He said the conflict was concentrated in border areas and the enemy was fearful and kept changing its statements and objectives.
“Front-line warfighters have access to all the capabilities they need. They are solid and capable.”
“The Resistance war room records the enemy’s losses, but only on the front lines, and our resistance is legendary. It is a school for freedom for generations.”
Hezbollah’s secretary-general said he acknowledged that the occupation forces were unable to counter missiles and drones.
He said the resistance’s ability to establish footholds despite continued airstrikes was extraordinary.
Qasem said Hezbollah is targeting bases and soldiers, and the Zionist regime is targeting civilians in an effort to cause suffering to Hezbollah and the Lebanese people. “The enemy must know that shelling our villages and cities will not force us to retreat,” he said.
Sheikh Qasem said the recent operations showed the resistance’s resolve, citing the recent drone attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence and the attack on the Benjaminina base, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of numerous Zionist soldiers. said.
“This land is ours and our people are united around us, so you will surely be defeated. Leave our land to cut your losses, or else. “If we do, we will pay an unprecedented price,” he warned.
“Just as we won in July (2006), we will win now and we will continue to grow and grow stronger.”
Hezbollah leaders told American diplomats in Lebanon that they could never dream of defeating the resistance.
“The party will overcome this conflict and emerge stronger and victorious.”
“The enemy cannot count on time because of the high losses and will be forced to halt the invasion.”
Sheikh Qassem said that if the enemy wants to stop its aggression, it must accept ceasefire terms that Hezbollah deems appropriate, and that any solution would be pursued through indirect negotiations.
