Sheikh Naim Qassem to 'Israel': You will undoubtedly be defeated
9 Min Read
In his inaugural address as secretary-general of Hezbollah, he announced that this war with "Israel" has been named Operation People of Might.
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Hezbollah's new Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem in his inaugural address, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 (Screen grab from Al Mayadeen channel)
Hezbollah's new Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem reaffirmed Wednesday the continuation of the war strategy devised by the late martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in coordination with the Resistance's leadership, emphasizing adherence to the political trajectory set forth.
In his inaugural address as Secretary-General of Hezbollah, he announced that this war with "Israel" has been named Operation People of Might.
Sheikh Qassem declared that his work program would be a continuation of Sayyed Nasrallah's work agenda across all fields—political, jihadi, social, and cultural.
He reiterated the stance of martyr Sayyed Nasrallah, saying, "We do not seek war, but if imposed on us, we are prepared to triumph and will face it with dignity," adding, "As our leader said, we lie in wait for the battle."
Additionally, Sheikh Qassem addressed "Israel's" pager and wireless receiver attacks and the impact of the assassinations of Resistance leaders, particularly Sayyed Nasrallah, acknowledging that these incidents "had a negative effect" on Hezbollah, which quickly regained its footing, as demonstrated by the current situation on the ground.
In this context, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah emphasized that the party's capabilities are vast and well-suited for a prolonged battle, pointing out that "the battlefield confirms Hezbollah’s recovery from the attacks it has faced, being a large, cohesive institution with significant resources."
Sheikh Qassem also stressed Hezbollah's ongoing commitment to confronting the aggression, underlining that if "Israel" seeks to halt it, the party will accept a ceasefire on terms it finds suitable, adding that any resolution will only be through indirect negotiations.
Any negotiations must begin with a ceasefire, he made clear.
We are inflicting pain on the enemy
In this regard, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah highlighted that the Islamic Resistance's Operations Room has documented Israeli losses, "and these are only on the forward front."
He said that the occupation has acknowledged its inadequacy against Hezbollah's rockets and drones, which strike according to a calculated field plan.
While Hezbollah targets Israeli military bases and soldiers, "Israel" targets people and infrastructure "to cause us suffering," Sheikh Qassem indicated, explaining the Resistance fights honorably, in contrast to "Israel".
He affirmed that the Resistance deals blows to the enemy, as demonstrated by the targeting of the Golani base in Binyamina, as well as attacks on Haifa, Akka, and other areas.
"Israel" should understand that "its bombing of our villages and towns will not force us to retreat," Sheikh Qassem underlined, pointing out that Hezbollah was able to target Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence with a drone.
"Netanyahu survived this time... perhaps his time has not yet come," he added.
Hezbollah's Secretary-General Sheikh #NaimQassem gave his first speech since he assumed his role recently, in which he assured that war plans are still being implemented against the Israeli occupation.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 30, 2024
Sheikh Qassem stressed that these plans were put by Martyr Sayyed Hassan… pic.twitter.com/GvoMpvdp1m
He also addressed the Israeli occupation with a warning, saying, "You will undoubtedly be defeated because the land is ours and our people stand united behind us."
"Withdraw from our land to minimize your losses; otherwise, you will pay an unprecedented price," he added.
Addressing the US ambassador in Lebanon, Sheikh Qassem said, "You, nor those with you, will see the defeat of the Resistance—not even in your dreams."
To those counting on a "post-war" phase, he said, "You will be forced to curse Washington and its allies for lying to you," stressing that the occupation "cannot rely on time, given its significant losses, and will be compelled to end its aggression."
Hurting the enemy requires patience, resilience
Addressing displaced Lebanese due to the Israeli aggression, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah clarified that "this battle demands this level of sacrifice," adding, "We are in a phase of inflicting pain on the enemy," which also necessitates resilience and patience.
Sheikh Qassem assured the displaced that the Resistance cannot achieve victory without their sacrifices, as Hezbollah "is strong in its resistance due to the blessing of its fighters and strong politically at home thanks to them."
He also highlighted that "others are amazed by their [the displaced's] patience," promising them that "we will rebuild together" and affirming that the Resistance "will be victorious now, just as it was in July… and our strength will only continue to rise."
We are capable of derailing 'Israel’s' plan through resistance
The Secretary-General of Hezbollah pointed out that "some believe Israel was provoked," noting that the occupation entity "needs no pretext for launching its aggression; history bears witness to this."
He explained that supporting Gaza "was imperative to counter Israel's threat to the entire region, beginning with Gaza, and to uphold the rights of Gaza’s people, whom everyone should support."
He recalled that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself stated at the start of his aggression on Lebanon that "this is for the new Middle East," adding that the Resistance "has thwarted a series of surprises."
Sheikh Qassem revealed that serious discussions have taken place between the occupation and the United States regarding "striking Hezbollah," shortly after Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.
The Lebanese leader also clarified that Hezbollah is confronting a major project led by "Israel", the United States, and the West, in Gaza, Lebanon, and the region," asserting that this war "involves all the world's capabilities aimed at eliminating the Resistance."
He described the war as "a global Zionist-American-European campaign, intended to eliminate the Resistance in the region," warning that these powers "want to subjugate us to control our future."
However, Hezbollah's Secretary-General underlined that this future will be shaped by a "legendary epic of pride," as the Resistance in both Gaza and Lebanon endures with unprecedented resilience.
Sheikh Qassem underscored that "through resistance, we disrupt the Israeli project, but by waiting we lose everything," adding: "We are capable of doing so."
Hezbollah founded to confront the occupation, liberate our land
In this context, Sheikh Qassem reminded that Hezbollah's Resistance was founded to confront the occupation and its expansionist intentions, and to liberate the land, pointing out that "it was the Resistance, not international resolutions, that forced Israel out of Lebanon."
Sheikh Qassem also reaffirmed that Hezbollah "does not fight on behalf of anyone, but rather to protect Lebanon, liberate our land, and support Gaza," stressing that "no one dictates our actions or binds us to anything."
Regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran, he affirmed that it "supports us in our project and seeks nothing from us."
Iran "does not fight with us, but supports our project without expecting anything in return," he stressed, expressing gratitude to the supporting fronts in Yemen and Iraq, and welcoming any Arab, Islamic, or international support.
The Secretary-General of Hezbollah also said that Iran "is well aware of the cost of its support for the Resistance," acknowledging that it "provided the Resistance, through martyr Qassem Soleimani, with unparalleled assistance."
Sheikh Qassem paid tribute to the founder of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini, who "initiated the project of removing Israel for the sake of the rightful owners of the land," noting that the Leader of the Revolution, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, followed in the same path with courage offering all the necessary support.
On his election as Secretary General
On his election as Secretary-General, Sheikh Qassem extended his gratitude to the Hezbollah leadership and its Shura Council for entrusting him with "this heavy burden," viewing it as "a sign of trust."
He emphasized that this responsibility "is the legacy of martyr Sayyed Abbas al-Moussawi, who told us that the fundamental commandment is to safeguard the Resistance and martyr Sayyid Nasrallah."
Recalling Sayyed Nasrallah's words upon the martyrdom of Sayyed al-Moussawi, Sheikh Qassem said, "By killing our Secretary-General, they aimed to defeat our spirit of resistance and crush our will for jihad, but his blood will continue to pulse within us."
Today, the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, #Hezbollah, has appointed a new Secretary-General.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 29, 2024
Hezbollah's Shura Council announced its election of Sheikh Naim Qassem as Secretary-General of Hezbollah, succeeding Martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
So who is Sheikh Naim Qassem?… pic.twitter.com/qOTzNZsT2Q
We are victorious
Addressing the martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Sheikh Qassem expressed admiration for his 32-year legacy of instilling faith, allegiance, and resistance, saying, "You were and will remain the banner of the victorious Resistance, beloved of the fighters, a reservoir of hope, a herald of victory, and a beloved icon for those yearning for a life of dignity."
He also recalled the Executive Council Chairman of Hezbollah, martyr Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, affirming that he was "one of Sayyed Nasrallah’s most trusted associates" and adding, "We have lost him, but he has won."
Sheikh Qassem also recalled the head of Hamas' political bureau, martyr Yahya Sinwar, noting that he was "firm, courageous, faithful, principled, dignified, and free—a symbol of heroism and resistance for Palestine and the free people of the world," who was martyred on the battlefield after confronting the occupation "until the last breath."
Concluding his first speech as Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Sheikh Qassem addressed the Resistance fighters, echoing the words of martyr Sayyed Nasrallah, "As our leader said, the era of defeats has long gone, and the era of victories has come. We are victorious. Be patient."
Read more: Palestinian Resistance factions congratulate Sheikh Qassem on election
