Hezbollah ever more defiant after Nasrallah's assassination: Analysis
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According to writer Alex Crawford, Sheikh Qassem's speech made it clear that the group remains unwavering in its resolve.
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Mourners attend a rally commemorating slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah as they hold posters of him at Enghelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) St. in downtown Tehran, Iran, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP)
An analysis by Sky News writer Alex Crawford on Monday delved into Hezbollah's response to the recent assassination of its leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
In a recorded message, Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, asserted that the group is fully prepared for an Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon.
This is the first official response from Hezbollah since Sayyed Nasrallah's martyrdom, and according to Crawford, Sheikh Qassem's speech made it clear that the group remains unwavering in its resolve.
Sheikh Qassem further reinforced the group's long-standing embrace of martyrdom, declaring that Sayyed Nasrallah will be replaced and that their fight against "Israel" will continue unabated.
"We love martyrdom," Sheikh Qassem said. "We will replace leaders with leaders."
Read more: Kremlin condemns assassination of Sayyed Nasrallah
Crawford says that this fiery response from Sheikh Qassem should not be surprising to those familiar with Hezbollah’s operations over the decades.
The Resistance has consistently framed martyrdom as a form of honor, a narrative that has been reinforced by the spiritual roots of Hezbollah for years.
Sheikh Qassem's message was clear: Hezbollah’s military strength remains intact, and "Israel's" tactics, which target both Hezbollah military assets and civilians, are seen as attempts to create division among the Lebanese people—a strategy Sheikh Qassem said would not succeed.
Read more: Sayyed Nasrallah's martyrdom accelerates 'Israel's' demise: Al-Houthi
Unwavering Resolve
In a televised address on Monday, Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and offered condolences to the Lebanese people and the broader Arab and Islamic communities.
He stressed Hezbollah’s unwavering commitment to its mission of resisting Israeli occupation, defending Lebanon, and supporting Gaza.
Despite ongoing Israeli attacks and the loss of key leaders, Qassem assured that Hezbollah remains resolute and ready to face any Israeli ground invasion, maintaining that the group will continue to defend Lebanon and its people.
Qassem reiterated that Hezbollah’s leadership structure is resilient, with clear plans in place for the replacement of leaders, ensuring that the Resistance’s goals remain united.
Despite the assassination of senior members, Hezbollah’s capabilities have not been diminished, and the group is fully prepared for a long battle against "Israel," Sheikh Qassem said.
"Everything we've endured—from the challenges of our past, including the pager situation, to the powerful testimonies of our leaders, particularly our great leader—would have shaken the very foundations of [huge] armies. Yet, we have not wavered; we have moved forward with unwavering sacrifice," Sheikh Qassem said.
"We stand united in our struggle, bound by a single mission, and victory will ultimately be ours. What is required now is patience, as we have mobilized every ounce of our strength and preparedness for the challenges that lay ahead," he added.
Read more: Kremlin condemns assassination of Sayyed Nasrallah
He assured supporters that Hezbollah will continue to implement Sayyed Nasrallah’s directives, with alternative plans in place to adapt to the evolving situation.
Moreover, Qassem highlighted that Sayyed Nasrallah’s priority was the liberation of the holy city of al-Quds and that he was deeply respected by freedom advocates and supporters of Palestine.
Qassem also honored the martyrdom of other key figures, including Hajj Ali Karki and Iranian General Abbas Nilforooshan, underscoring the sacrifices made by leaders in the fight against Israeli aggression.
