Naim Qassem, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, spoke out recently about the ceasefire agreement with Israel, asserting the clear terms and the group’s unwavering commitment to resistance. His comments come amid rising tensions and recent escalations resulting from Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon.
During an appearance on the Lebanese television network Al-Manar, Qassem made it unequivocally clear: "The truce and cessation of fire with Israel is clear and there is no secret truce or types under the table." He reiterated this stance to underline the transparency and legitimacy of Hezbollah’s position following Israel's ceasefire agreement encapsulated under United Nations Resolution 1701, which requires Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon.
Adding gravity to his claims, Qassem stated, "If the occupation continues, it will not avoid confrontation with the army, the people and the resistance." His firm declaration signifies Hezbollah's readiness to respond to any continued aggression from Israel, asserting their role as protectors of Lebanese sovereignty.
Hezbollah's current dynamics also intertwine with the public's emotional response to the loss of revered leaders such as Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safi al-Din. Qassem reflected on the exceptional participation of the people during their funerals, saying, "The participation of people... was fundamental as they said we will continue and we are on the path, O Nasrallah." This reflects not only the loyalty of the followers but also the collective commitment to the Hezbollah cause.
Recent Israeli military actions have not been without consequences. The Lebanese Ministry of Health has reported the martyrdom of civilians due to attacks near Kfarkala, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact of military confrontations. Qassem condemned these attacks, stating, "We preserved the military confrontation and just" – highlighting their strategy to target military installations rather than civilian areas to avoid providing Israel with pretexts for retaliation.
Hezbollah's dialogue with the Lebanese government continues, as Qassem emphasized their relationship with President Michel Aoun, reflecting warmth and cooperation. He expressed the necessity of managing internal politics to effectively address the external pressures posed by Israel. His commitment to reinforcing the government's stance demonstrates Hezbollah's strategic calculations about governance amid persistent strife.
Qassem did not shy away from noting the fluttering of regional tensions either. Labeling the current political campaign spearheaded by American and Israeli influences as intense, he asserted, "A very big political campaign... will not let us rest." His acknowledgment of these external pressures indicates the challenging environment Hezbollah operates within, where local governance and resistance efforts intersect.
Regarding the upcoming municipal elections, Qassem highlighted Hezbollah's intention to participate, reaffirming their desire to remain integral to Lebanon's political fabric. "We will stand by it, stressing the commitment of the resistance," he mentioned, pointing to their approach as stemming directly from the will of the people they represent, thereby emphasizing grassroots involvement.
The urgency surrounding all these matters cannot be overstated as the echoes of conflict continue to reverberate across the region. Qassem's insights paint Hezbollah not only as a military entity but also as a political force engaged with its constituents and adept at maneuvering through Lebanon's complex political milieu.
With the presence of foreign influences and the persistent threats from Israel, Qassem's conclusion reflects the determination for continued resistance, stating, "We will not allow them to persevere." This commitment to confronting any form of occupation resonates with Hezbollah's foundational principles, reinforcing their declared continuity of struggle.
With all these elements at play, the stance of Hezbollah under Qassem’s leadership seems poised to navigate the treacherous waters of political and military confrontations, embodying both the struggles of the past and the aspirations for the future of Lebanon.