In a statement on Wednesday, the Hezbollah chief outlined the existential stakes facing Lebanon, affirmed the resistance's unwavering commitment to the battle, and called for national unity against what he described as a joint US-Israeli aggression aimed at subjugating the country.
Sheikh Qassem said Lebanon faces two clear options, "either surrender and relinquish land, dignity, sovereignty, and the future of our generations, or engage in inevitable confrontation and resist the occupation to prevent it from achieving its goals."
He said the timing chosen by the resistance to respond to the aggression "denied the Israeli enemy the element of surprise, prevented it from isolating Lebanon, and nullified all pretexts."
The Hezbollah secretary-general praised the movement's fighters, saying they "have written the most magnificent epics of heroism, honor, patriotism, and dignity."
"They are determined to continue without limits, ready to sacrifice endlessly, and now serve as a shining symbol of nationalism and the beacon of the coming liberation."
Sheikh Qassem said the people of Lebanon "have displaced themselves in contribution to the jihad, endured as sacrificers and resistors, proudly and willingly offering their children, suffering far away from their homes and normal lives to secure a free and honorable future for their homeland and its people."
The 'Greater Israel' project
Sheikh Qassem warned that there exists a dangerous US-Israeli project known as "Greater Israel," which is based on occupation and expansion from the Euphrates to the Nile, including Lebanon.
He said the US-Israeli aggression against Lebanon has not stopped since November 27, 2024, and that the Israeli enemy has continuously violated ceasefire agreements.
Call for national unity
The Hezbollah leader called for national unity under a single banner: "stopping the aggression to liberate the land and its people."
He said all other matters can be addressed afterward.
“National unity frustrates our enemy from occupying our country,” he said. “National unity enables us to endure this painful phase through solidarity and cooperation, helping us to rebuild our country together.”
Sheikh Qassem also called on the Lebanese government to reverse its decision that criminalizes resistance, warning that "when the exclusivity of weapons is demanded to meet what Israel desires while the occupation and aggression continue, it is a step toward Lebanon's demise and the realization of 'Greater Israel.'"
The Hezbollah chief firmly rejected any negotiations with Israel while hostilities continue.
"Negotiating with the Israeli enemy under fire constitutes forced surrender and the deprivation of Lebanon's entire capabilities. Negotiations with an enemy that occupies land and attacks daily are entirely unacceptable."
Defensive battle for Lebanon
Sheikh Qassem framed the ongoing operations as a purely defensive battle.
“We are in a defensive battle for Lebanon and its citizens. Those who are martyred are our men, youth, women, and children. What we liberate is the land of our homeland, Lebanon.”
The Hezbollah leader said confronting the aggression against Lebanon is “a national responsibility for everyone.”
Since the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran began on February 28, Hezbollah has intensified its operations against Israeli positions in the occupied territories, launching rockets and drones at military targets and settlements in northern Israel, including Haifa, Nahariya, and Kiryat Shmona.
Israeli officials have acknowledged that Hezbollah's operations have successfully tied down significant Israeli ground forces, challenging the security of northern residents and the regime’s home front.The 'Greater Israel' project
Sheikh Qassem warned that there exists a dangerous US-Israeli project known as "Greater Israel," which is based on occupation and expansion from the Euphrates to the Nile, including Lebanon.
He said the US-Israeli aggression against Lebanon has not stopped since November 27, 2024, and that the Israeli enemy has continuously violated ceasefire agreements.
Call for national unity
The Hezbollah leader called for national unity under a single banner: "stopping the aggression to liberate the land and its people."
He said all other matters can be addressed afterward.
“National unity frustrates our enemy from occupying our country,” he said. “National unity enables us to endure this painful phase through solidarity and cooperation, helping us to rebuild our country together.”
Sheikh Qassem also called on the Lebanese government to reverse its decision that criminalizes resistance, warning that "when the exclusivity of weapons is demanded to meet what Israel desires while the occupation and aggression continue, it is a step toward Lebanon's demise and the realization of 'Greater Israel.'"
The Hezbollah chief firmly rejected any negotiations with Israel while hostilities continue.
"Negotiating with the Israeli enemy under fire constitutes forced surrender and the deprivation of Lebanon's entire capabilities. Negotiations with an enemy that occupies land and attacks daily are entirely unacceptable."
Solidarity with Iran
Sheikh Qassem drew attention to Iran's confrontation with the US and Israel, describing it as "a lesson for reflection."
"What is happening in the confrontation of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the global American-Israeli aggression is a lesson for reflection. Iran stood firm against the mightiest and most brutal criminals on Earth, and it will prevail, God willing," he said.
"Know that every victory against America and Israel brings good to all," he added, citing the Quranic verse: "And victory is not but from Allah, the Almighty, the Wise."
Defensive battle for Lebanon
Sheikh Qassem framed the ongoing operations as a purely defensive battle.
“We are in a defensive battle for Lebanon and its citizens. Those who are martyred are our men, youth, women, and children. What we liberate is the land of our homeland, Lebanon.”
The Hezbollah leader said confronting the aggression against Lebanon is “a national responsibility for everyone.”
Since the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran began on February 28, Hezbollah has intensified its operations against Israeli positions in the occupied territories, launching rockets and drones at military targets and settlements in northern Israel, including Haifa, Nahariya, and Kiryat Shmona.
Israeli officials have acknowledged that Hezbollah's operations have successfully tied down significant Israeli ground forces, challenging the security of northern residents and the regime’s home front.
Press TV