In a landmark address commemorating the first anniversary of the martyrdom of senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil and his comrades in the Radwan Force, Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem reaffirmed the steadfastness of the Resistance and called on the entire region, from governments to peoples, to recognize the existential threat posed by the Israeli entity.

Sheikh Qassem began his speech by paying tribute to the martyred commander Hajj Abdul Qader, eulogizing him as a pivotal figure in the Islamic Resistance. “Martyr Abdul Qader stood against the 1982 invasion, was in charge of central training in the early 1990s, fought in the Ansariya operation, and was one of the leaders of the 2006 war,” he said.

He also recalled martyr Aqil’s participation in the Syrian front, particularly in Qusayr and Qalamoun, and highlighted his long-standing role as deputy to the Ummah's martyr, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, since 2008. “We draw lessons from the stances of martyr Abdul Qader and recognize his great sacrifices for the liberation of land, sovereignty, and independence,” Qassem noted.

Remembering the Radwan leaders

Sheikh Qassem detailed the events of September 20, 2024, when Israeli warplanes bombed a gathering of Radwan commanders in the southern suburb of Beirut. The attack martyred 18 Radwan Force leaders and nearly 50 civilians, including women and children, with four still unaccounted for.

Among those honored was Commander Ahmad Mahmoud Wehbe, honored as a veteran of the Resistance since its foundation and a liberated prisoner from Israeli prisons. Wehbe served as the head of the Radwan Force until his martyrdom in 2024.

The Hezbollah leader also announced the recent passing of Mazloum Adloun, a veteran fighter who took part in numerous Resistance operations and served as the head of the armored corps during the 2006 war.

A region on the brink

Turning to the broader political scene, Sheikh Qassem warned of an “exceptionally dangerous political juncture” across the region. He emphasized that the Israeli entity, planted by colonial powers at the beginning of the 20th century, continues to operate as a Western colonial outpost with expansionist goals.

“This usurping presence was imposed to serve as a Western extension, a tool for America, and a scarecrow for the region. Its purpose is to obstruct independence and suppress sovereignty,” he said.

Sheikh Qassem accused "Israel" of reaching “unprecedented levels of savagery and lawlessness,” fully backed by the United States. “It respects neither humanitarian nor legal norms,” he added.

On normalization and soft warfare

He further argued that soft warfare tactics, including sanctions, the Madrid peace process, and the so-called Abraham Accords, have all failed to yield the quick victories Washington and "Israel" hoped for.

“That is why genocide has become their only viable option,” he said.

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He added that after the Israeli strike on Qatar, the scope of the target list has expanded dramatically. “The target now includes Resistance movements, regional governments, peoples, and any geographic or political obstacle standing in the way of Greater Israel.”

Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Iran are now all targets for the Israeli enemy, he listed. 

'Israel is the central threat'

Sheikh Naim Qassem emphasized that the only way to confront the existential threat posed by "Israel" is through regional unity: governments, peoples, and Resistance movements must come together around a shared purpose.

“Israel must be identified as the central threat, not the Resistance. This danger is comprehensive, targeting Resistance movements, regimes, peoples, Arabs, Muslims, Christians, and humanity at large,” he warned.

Sheikh Qassem calls on KSA to open 'new chapter'

In a bold political message, Sheikh Qassem called on Saudi Arabia to open a new chapter in its relationship with the Resistance. He proposed a dialogue based on three principles:

1. An open discussion that addresses mutual concerns and secures mutual interests;
2. Recognition that "Israel", not the Resistance, is the enemy;
3. A willingness to freeze past disputes and move forward.

He staunchly reiterated that Hezbollah’s arms are aimed exclusively at the Israeli enemy, not at Lebanon, not at Saudi Arabia, and not at any other country or group worldwide.

US 'not a neutral party'

Sheikh Qassem harshly criticized US policy, noting that Washington explicitly acts in favor of "Israel" and cannot be trusted as a neutral party. “How can we accept any proposal from America when it declares it works in the interest of Israel? We reject their demands for concessions,” he said.

He also pointed out that the Lebanese Army is denied advanced weaponry by the US. “America only gives the Lebanese Army what it needs to manage internal affairs. Any weapon that could potentially threaten Israel, its air force, or military capabilities, is strictly forbidden.”

Sheikh Qassem called for unity to rebuild Lebanon. “Let us stand together to expel Israel and rebuild our country. Let us hold parliamentary elections on time, prioritize reconstruction, speed up financial and economic reform, combat corruption, and establish a national security strategy through positive dialogue.”

The Resistance will stand tall against all odds 

He concluded with a reaffirmation of the Resistance’s path: “This Resistance will remain steadfast with its head held high, despite Israel, despite America, because it is the Resistance of martyrs, of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, of Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, of Abdul Qader, and many others.”

“The Resistance's supporters remain firm in their commitment to its weapons because they have seen with their own eyes the fruits of liberation, deterrence, and national presence.”

“We engage in dialogue from a position of strength,” he said, adding that the Resistance’s stance is rooted in sacrifice and unwavering faith in the right to confront and expel the occupier. He emphasized that Hezbollah would accept nothing short of full liberation and is ready to face all challenges to maintain its honor and independence.

Read more: Exclusive: Sayyed Hashem's letter as Secretary General before his martyrdom

Hezbollah's leader stressed that any confrontation with the Israeli project is existential, not only for the Resistance but for the Lebanese nation as a whole. “In such a battle, everything becomes expendable,” he said.

He called on the Lebanese government to assume responsibility in confronting Israeli aggression, urging it to raise its voice daily so that the world may hear Lebanon’s protest.

He also encouraged officials to think “outside the box” and questioned why the political establishment continues to pursue choices that risk internal strife. While praising the government’s recent position on the attacks, he stressed that such a stance must become routine.

Sheikh Qassem reiterated Hezbollah’s readiness to carry out its duties alongside the Lebanese Army, provided it is in confrontation with the Israeli enemy. He concluded by invoking historical precedent, stating that all empires, no matter how powerful, eventually collapsed when plagued by corruption and injustice.

“Injustice will fall, even if after a while,” he said. “We will not be enslaved. We will remain free.”