Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem confirmed on Tuesday that Hezbollah's command and control as well as the management of the party and the Resistance are “in an orderly manner and in accordance with the party's norms,” stressing that the Resistance “overcame the painful blows that it suffered.”

In a televised address commemorating the anniversary of the Lebanese Support Front for the Gaza Strip on October 8, 2023, Sheikh Qassem reassured the Resistance's popular base, stating, "We do not have any vacant positions [within Hezbollah]; all positions are filled, and Hezbollah is operating orderly and at full readiness."

He explained that the party "will proceed with the election of the Secretary-General as per the party's regulations," which will be announced at the appropriate time.

Sheikh Qassem affirmed that the merits and capabilities that the martyred leaders possessed are evident in their assistants and possible successors.

He also stressed that "the administration is cohesive" and so are "the Resistance fighters on the frontlines."

"This war has not affected our will and will not affect our determination to confront [the enemy]," he maintained.

Sheikh Qassem pointed out that the Resistance fighters have proven their worth on the ground.

After all, "they are the sons of the master of the martyrs of the Axis of Resistance, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah," he affirmed.

He stated that the Resistance "draws inspiration from the resolve of martyred Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who left behind a legacy of steadfast resistance against the Zionists across a wide front."

'The Lebanese front has exhausted the enemy'

Discussing the accomplishments of the Lebanon front, Sheikh Naim Qassem emphasized that it "wore down the enemy and forced tens of thousands of settlers to flee from their settlements."

In response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claim that he "wants to bring back the settlers," Sheikh Qassem addressed him and promised him that many more settlers would be displaced, warning that "the longer the war continues, the greater Israel's predicament will become."

He reiterated that the support front "is focused on alleviating the pressure imposed on Gaza and defending Lebanon and its people."

'Ground confrontation has begun'

Sheikh Qassem affirmed that although the confrontations in South Lebanon have begun, the Israeli enemy has failed to advance, "leaving the Zionists bewildered by their inability to do so."

He stressed that "the few meters that the enemy may gain are of no value, and we will engage them, whether on the frontlines or beyond," warning that "if the enemy continues its war, the final word will be that of the battlefield, and we are the men of the battlefield and will not beg for a solution." 

He added that this is a war of "who screams [in pain] first [and surrenders]," affirming, "We will not scream, we will continue, we will sacrifice, and we will give [our everything]... we are steadfast and we will win, and God willing, you will hear the enemy's screams."

'No discussion before ceasefire'

While affirming the Resistance's stance, Sheikh Qassem expressed his support for the political movement led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, which primarily advocates for a ceasefire.

He expressed extreme confidence in the leadership of Nabih Berri, "The Secretary-General once regarded you as the elder brother, and I know you are regarded as such by the entirety of Hezbollah."

Sheikh Qassem asserted that before a ceasefire agreement, nothing else is relevant.

He also emphasized that Hezbollah and the Amal Movement "are united as one heart in both good times and bad," asking, "Who would expect anything less from the followers of Sayyed Moussa al-Sadr?"

Al-Aqsa Flood, the beginning of change in the Middle East

In this context, Sheikh Qassem discussed Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, explaining that it is “an extraordinary and unprecedented event, marking the beginning of a change in the Middle East.”

He explained that "the Israeli enemy, the US, and Western countries are plotting to try to instill fear in us, but their plan to intimidate us will fail," affirming that the confrontations are blessed. 

Sheikh Qassem affirmed that "this great confrontation is blessed; it is a righteous path toward change."

He added, "The objective of the occupation has been the complete eradication of resistance and the systematic annihilation of the Palestinian people, aimed at stripping them of their ability to resist and claim their rights."

He further pointed out that "Lebanon has been targeted, and Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that he wants a new Middle East, but history has proven time and again that this entity poses a threat to the entire region."

In this context, he clarified that "our struggle is not a fight for Iranian influence, as Netanyahu claims; it is a fight for the liberation of Palestine."

Furthermore, the Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah remarked that "the crimes of the occupation are unparalleled in all of history," emphasizing that the Palestinian people "deserve life and liberation."

He also said that although "the aggression on the Southern Suburb, South Lebanon, Bekaa, and Mount Lebanon is deeply painful," he maintained that "the enemy's tactic is to target civilians, believing it will secure victory."

In conclusion, he emphasized that "the only solution for us is resistance, steadfastness, and uniting our people around us. This is our recipe to victory." He addressed the enemies, saying, "Your attempts are in vain, and the support base of the Resistance is strong and consolidated. After all, they are the most honorable people, the greatest people, and the people of utmost determination and resolve."

Sheikh Qassem addressed the Resistance community, affirming, “Just as you proved your steadfastness during the July 2006 aggression, which you have continued to demonstrate over the past year, we firmly believe that victory will come through the resilience of the Resistance fighters and your unwavering patience. Israel will ultimately fall.”