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Resistance will not yield to Israeli, US pressures: Sheikh Qassem

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
25 May 2025 22:37
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Hezbollah's secretary-general reaffirms the Resistance’s role in confronting "Israel", rejects foreign dictates, and urges swift government action on reconstruction and sovereignty.

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Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem delivers a speech on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Resistance and Liberation Day, on Sunday, May 25, 2025. (Screengrab)

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Resistance and Liberation Day, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem delivered a powerful address Sunday evening reflecting on the significance of this historic milestone.

He declared that “this day lifted Lebanon from the depths of weakness to the heights of strength," adding, "This day gave the people [a new sense of] dignity, pride, and true sovereignty."

Sheikh Qassem described the Liberation as a transformative moment that "redrew the region’s fate, in politics, in culture, and in the course of freedom-fighting, leading us from the chains of submission to the fire of defiance, from the dust of defeat to the dawn of triumph."

"The Resistance forged Lebanon’s liberation and its renewed independence, and it succeeded in elevating the nation's standing, enabling it to assume a significant and influential role within the region," he affirmed.

Martyr Sayyed Nasrallah; the shining light who guided the Resistance

Sheikh Qassem paid tribute to Hezbollah's former Secretary-General martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, saying, “Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the Martyr of the Nation, was the shining light who guided the Resistance through darkness, leading it to triumph and glory.”

He emphasized that “Resistance and Liberation Day was the prelude that shaped everything that followed,” affirming that the Resistance "stands strong in its capacity as a [popular] choice, an expression of the people's will, and a manifestation of unwavering determination."

Sheikh Qassem stated that “the emergence of the Resistance was a natural outcome for a proud people who refuse humiliation, occupation, or submission to this enemy.”

Recalling key historical milestones, he noted that the Israeli occupation withdrew from Lebanon in 2000 “earlier than expected, in the dead of night, without even notifying its collaborators,” leading to the declaration of May 25 as Resistance and Liberation Day.

May 25, 2000: A major victory

He described May 25, 2000, as “a major victory for the Resistance and the people who sacrificed so much, successfully breaking Israel’s grip through an unconditional withdrawal.”

Sheikh Qassem affirmed that the Resistance endures, proving itself as “the path to liberation,” while also “putting an end to Israel’s expansionist ambitions and its ability to seize parts of Lebanon.”

He highlighted that the Resistance brought about a transformation in occupied Palestine and placed the Israeli occupation “on the path to eventual demise,” underscoring that this was “the prelude to everything that followed.”

In this context, Sheikh Qassem paid tribute to prominent figures in the Resistance's history, including Imam Sayyed Musa al-Sadr, martyr Sheikh Ragheb Harb, martyr Sayyed Abbas Mousawi, martyr commander Imad Mughniyeh, and martyr Sayyed Nasrallah, crediting them as “the ones to whom the liberation is owed.”

He also extended his gratitude to former Lebanese President Emile Lahoud for “supporting the Resistance” and to late Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss, who “stood by the Resistance.”

Today, we celebrate the liberation of #Lebanon.

On this day, 24 years ago, Lebanon's Liberation and Resistance Day marked a pivotal moment in the nation's history.

Today, as we commemorate this historic occasion, we not only celebrate Lebanon's liberation from the Israeli… pic.twitter.com/JT1mNUGbBt
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 25, 2024

Unfinished war with 'Israel'

Sheikh Qassem reaffirmed that both Hezbollah and the Lebanese state had “fully abided by the ceasefire agreement,” while “Israel committed 3,300 violations,” and continues its aggression.

The Hezbollah secretary-general affirmed that the Lebanese state bears the responsibility for implementing the ceasefire, emphasizing that “other options remain with the Resistance should the state fail to fulfill its duty.”

Commenting on recent remarks by Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal, Sheikh Qassem said the latter's statement reflects his patriotism and that of the Lebanese army, adding, "We remain firmly committed to the equation of the army, the people, and the Resistance.”

He stressed that the Resistance “still considers the war unfinished” for "Israel" has not honored its commitments, underscoring that “Israel’s abuse of power only strengthens the Resistance’s resolve and defiance.”

“Resistance is a choice,” he continued. “At times it strikes with force and deters, at times it stands unshaken to repel, and at times it waits with patience, yet ever ready, in its place.”

Addressing the confrontation with "Israel", Sheikh Qassem warned, “Ask nothing more of us from this day on," adding, "Let Israel withdraw, let its aggression cease, let the captives be freed, then, and only then, shall we speak of what comes next.”

Resistance does not remain silent in face of injustice

The Hezbollah chief stressed that “the Resistance does not remain silent in the face of injustice, nor does it bow to defeat or surrender.”

He underlined that “no one can uproot the Resistance from Lebanese soil, for it is woven into the very fabric of Lebanon, and the essence of Lebanon stands firmly upon the pillar of resistance.”

"We are a cornerstone in every advancement in Lebanon; our fingerprints are present in every milestone, and we are an inseparable part of every positive development it witnesses," Sheikh Qassem asserted.

Message to Washington: Sovereignty is non-negotiable

In a clear message directed at Washington, the Lebanese Resistance leader said, “If the United States believes that pressure can enforce Israeli terms, we affirm: such terms shall never be realized, no matter how great the sacrifices may be.”

He stated that US pressure on Lebanese officials “will not bring about the realization of Israeli demands, regardless of the sacrifices involved,” stressing that such pressure “constitutes an overreach and an infringement on Lebanon’s sovereignty.”

Sheikh Qassem addressed Washington, stating, "You will not achieve what you failed to accomplish through war. These conditions will never be met, no matter the sacrifices or the cost of confrontation."

In a direct message to US President Donald Trump, he said, “I advise President Trump to seize the opportunity and free himself from the burden of Israel.”

Lebanon reconstruction efforts

Addressing the issue of reconstruction, the secretary-general of Hezbollah described it as “the primary pillar of stability,” urging the Lebanese government to “act swiftly” to this end.

He added, “No one can blackmail us with promises of stability or reconstruction — stability is in our interest, and in the interest of the entire region.”

The Hezbollah chief pointed out that a stable Lebanon benefits both Lebanon and others, stressing that "no one should extort us in terms of the country's reconstruction."

Sheikh Qassem asserted that "Israel will not be able to maintain presence [in Lebanon], and God willing, we shall rebuild our homeland and villages, forging ahead with both construction and liberation hand in hand."

In this context, Sheikh Qassem noted that both Iraq and Iran had expressed willingness to support Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts, adding that “other countries have also initiated discussions with us, without announcing it, and it is now up to the Lebanese government to rise to the occasion.”

On municipal and local elections in Lebanon

In addition, Hezbollah's chief addressed the municipal and local elections in Lebanon, noting that Hezbollah had consistently emphasized the importance of holding them on time, as it seeks to strengthen the state.

He affirmed that Hezbollah served as a national safeguard throughout the electoral process. Regarding the elections in Beirut specifically, Sheikh Qassem explained that Hezbollah prioritized the country’s interests, sought to maintain balance, and ensured that Christians would not feel targeted, an approach also applied in the municipality of Haret Hreik.

He stressed that Hezbollah participated in the elections with a national spirit and an inclusive approach, aiming to exclude no one, and extended its hand in cooperation with all the Lebanese parties.

As for the relationship with the Amal Movement, Sheikh Qassem stated that both Hezbollah and Amal have proven to be a social and national safety valve, stressing that their electoral alliance is strategic.