ALWAGHT- Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem says "Israel is targeting all of Lebanon." He underscored that resistance remains the priority, but signaled a willingness for dialogue to confront the attacks.
Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem declared on Tuesday that the group is in a necessary defensive phase to protect Lebanon's land, existence, and sovereignty, not a posture of surrender. He stated that Israel's goal, under the pretext of disarming Hezbollah, is to neutralize Lebanon's very existence. Qassem emphasized that the conflict is an Israeli aggression against the entire nation, making unified national resistance a duty for all Lebanese, and he criticized internal voices aligned with external pressure.
Qassem expressed openness to dialogue with those committed to repelling the aggression but urged Lebanese negotiators to resist US and Israeli pressure on the Lebanese public. He shifted responsibility for implementing the ceasefire to the international Quintet Committee, demanding it hold Israel accountable instead of pressuring Lebanon. He framed the struggle as part of a broader confrontation against unfettered American hegemony that infringes on national rights.
Regarding domestic politics, Qassem asserted that the alliance of Hezbollah, the Amal Movement, and the Lebanese army is a vital national asset. He defended his bloc's role in electing the president and passing the budget to maintain stability, while accusing other ministers of inciting strife. He reiterated support for holding elections according to the law and expressed strong confidence in Iran's resilience against the US and Israel.
These statements were made amid ongoing Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon and the occupation of border areas, as well as domestic debates over the upcoming parliamentary elections and electoral law. Qassem's speech positions Hezbollah as a defensive, unifying force against external aggression while navigating complex internal political tensions.
