Sheikh Qassem Commends Iraq, Yemen, Calls for End to Concessions, Opening Dialogue with Resistance

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem called on the Lebanese political authorities on Tuesday to halt what he described as gratuitous concessions, open dialogue with the resistance, and work to repair the internal situation and reaffirm their commitment to national sovereignty. He praised the positions of Iraq and Yemen in supporting common causes and confronting the Israeli enemy.

According to Al-Manar TV, Qassem stated during a speech at the Arba’een commemoration of Imam Hussein in Baalbek that the systematic destruction targeting villages and towns in southern Lebanon, most recently the destruction of approximately 700 tons of [unspecified material], should compel the authorities to reject any dialogue with Israel and to exert pressure to completely halt the aggression. He questioned the value of continuing political discussions amidst the ongoing bombardment and destruction.

He added that the United States is complicit with Israel, asserting that the attacks and destruction in Lebanon are taking place under American supervision and with its approval.

He called on political forces to declare their rejection of what is happening, emphasizing that “saying no” will make the United States realize there is opposition to its policies.

Qassem maintained that the memorandum of understanding is the path that will achieve the Israeli withdrawal, and that without the steadfastness of the resistance on the ground and the support of its supporters, nothing would have been achieved, and what he described as the enemy’s advance would not have been halted. He affirmed that hope for achieving a withdrawal in the near future remains.

Qassem also addressed Iran, asserting that it has triumphed in the confrontation with the United States and Israel, and that attempts to overthrow the Iranian regime and end its regional role have failed. He praised the resilience of the Iranian army, the Revolutionary Guard, the people, and the leadership, noting that the martyrdom of the former Iranian leader, Ali Khamenei, has increased Iran’s strength and resolve.

Qassem commended the demonstrations that he said took place in Iran and Iraq, affirming that the election of Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Khamenei will lead to further achievement of future goals.
He added: “We are proud to stand with Iran and for Iran to stand with us in confronting the enemies of humanity and the criminals of the modern age, America and Israel.” He emphasized the importance of internal unity in Lebanon, praising the relationship between Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, describing it as an “impregnable barrier” against attempts to undermine the relationship between the two parties. He called on political forces and sects to rally around the project of national unity and sovereignty. Qassem also extended his greetings to the people of the South, the Bekaa Valley, the southern suburbs of Beirut, and all other Lebanese regions, commending their steadfastness and sacrifices. He affirmed that the party will continue working to provide shelter, reconstruction, and rebuilding for those affected, in cooperation with the state and friendly and brotherly nations. He stressed the importance of the fraternal relationship between Lebanon and Syria, expressing his hope that Syria will succeed in achieving stability, establishing justice, and securing Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied Syrian territories. He affirmed that a stable Syria is a pillar of support for Lebanon, just as a stable Lebanon is a pillar of support for Syria. Qassem stated that the resistance will continue as long as the occupation exists, emphasizing that Hezbollah will confront those who collaborate with the Israeli project. He called for the deployment of The Lebanese army is deployed south of the Litani River, and the party welcomes and supports this deployment, according to him.

In closing, Qassem emphasized that the issue of Gaza and Palestine is everyone’s responsibility, calling for confronting what he described as international aggression.

He saluted Iraq and Yemen for their support of shared causes in confronting the common enemy.