In a televised address, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem extended heartfelt condolences to the Lebanese people and the broader Islamic and Arab communities on the martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, saying, "I am addressing you in the most painful and saddest moments of my life, having lost a brother, a beloved [comrade], and a man in the capacity of a father, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah."

He emphasized several key points, highlighting the unwavering commitment of the Resistance to its mission, which includes confronting the Israeli occupation and supporting Gaza, while also defending Lebanon and its citizens. Sheikh Qassem reaffirmed that despite ongoing Israeli attacks and assassinations, the Resistance remains steadfast in its resolve to continue the fight.

In his speech, Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General announced that the party would appoint a new Secretary-General as soon as possible, as per the established protocol, emphasizing that "the choices are easy and clear because we are united in purpose."

He explained that "within [Hezbollah's] structure, there are deputies for leaders and reserve alternatives ready [to assume positions]."

Sheikh Qassem emphasized that despite the loss of numerous leaders, attacks on civilians, and significant sacrifices, "we will not waver from our positions; the Resistance will continue to support Gaza and Palestine while defending Lebanon and its people."

'We are well prepared and confident' 

In this context, Sheikh Qassem asserted, "We know that the battle will be long, we are prepared to face any possibility, and we will emerge victorious from this battle."

He asserted that Hezbollah "is ready to confront any possibility if Israel decides to enter by land, and we are ready to engage the enemy if it decides to invade."

Sheikh Qassem continued, stating, "We are well-prepared and confident that the Israeli enemy will not achieve its objectives, and we will emerge victorious," adding that "the actions of the party are merely the minimum required as part of our strategy to sustain the battle, aligned with the assessments and plans established based on the needs of the situation on the ground."

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Sheikh Qassem: The leadership system will continue with everything that Sayyed Nasrallah established, in addition to the alternative plans

He emphasized that the movement is implementing the directives of Sayyed Nasrallah, in addition to backup plans he oversaw for individual leaders and replacements, ensuring that all members are actively engaged in the field.

He vowed that despite the assassination of key members, "Israel" has failed to diminish Hezbollah's capabilities, stating that the enemy is "driven to madness" because it cannot undermine the Resistance, adding that "this great people who stood strong in difficult missions will stand strong again [in these difficult times], and we will win just as we won in 2006 against the Israeli enemy."

Sheikh Qassem remarked, "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."

He emphasized, "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."

'His priority was the holy city of al-Quds'

Sheikh Qassem stressed that "the priority of martyred Sayyed Nasrallah was the Holy City of al-Quds, within the framework of Arab and Islamic unity" and that "Sayyed Nasrallah loved the Resistance fighters who offered all that they had for the sake of God." 

He added that Sayyed Nasrallah "was beloved by the masses, advocates of freedom and Palestine, and all those who hope to liberate it from the filth of the Zionists and break the power of American-Zionist arrogance." 

Sheikh Qassem addressed the Resistance fighters, stating, “You are the ones who stand vigilant. Remember that His Eminence is always and forever with us.”

While Sheikh Qassem mourned and honored the martyrdom of Sayyed Nasrallah, he also paid tribute to the martyred leader Hajj Ali Karki and the head of security for the martyred leader Ibrahim Hussein Jezzini (Hajj Nabil).

He also lamented the martyrdom of Iranian General Abbas Nilforooshan, the Deputy Commander for Operations of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), dismissing the occupation's assertions about "a meeting of twenty leaders."

This comes in the wake of the martyrdom of Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was martyred on the road to al-Quds after an aggressive Israeli assault on the Southern Suburb of Beirut.