Hezbollah Secretary-General: Resistance is product of honorable fighters efforts

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem said on Sunday that resistance is the outcome of the struggle of all national fighters, and that liberation is the result of their collective sacrifices, highlighting the role of Imam Musa al-Sadr.

In a speech marking Resistance and Liberation Day, he said the 2000 Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon was a historic victory for Arabs and Muslims, especially Palestinians.

He stressed that the Lebanese army and people are partners with the resistance, forming the “army, people, and resistance” equation, and said past state leaders supported liberation.

Qassem criticized current authorities, accusing them of weakening the resistance and making concessions, and warned against disarming it, calling it a threat to Lebanon’s defense and sovereignty.

He rejected direct negotiations with Israel, urged indirect talks, and called for ending Israeli aggression and withdrawal before discussing a defense strategy.

He said the resistance will continue “until sovereignty is protected,” adding that Israel is suffering losses in southern Lebanon while targeting civilians when unable to respond militarily.

He also said U.S. pressure and sanctions would not weaken the resistance, and described regional developments as part of a broader ongoing struggle.