The Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Sheikh Naim Qassem, discussed regional developments, the disarmament of the Resistance, and the dangers surrounding Lebanon during a speech in commemoration of the martyred Resistance leader Ali Karaki, codenamed "Abu al-Fadl".

Sheikh Naim Qassem emphasized that the United States and the Israeli occupation have come to realize that the ceasefire agreement "serves Lebanon's and its Resistance's interests, which led them to apply on-the-ground pressure in an attempt to modify it," though all such pressure has failed to make any alterations.

During a speech delivered at the memorial service for the great freedom fighter, martyr Ali Karaki, Sheikh Qassem explained that Washington "wants to impose a new agreement that would absolve Israel of all the violations it has committed over the past eight months, as if they never happened."

New US agreement aims to reassure 'Israel'

The Resistance leader added that the first step of this new US-proposed agreement is to disarm the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, clarifying that "the only justification for not implementing the signed agreement and proposing a new one is disarmament, just to reassure Israel."

Hezbollah's Secretary-General stressed that Washington is lying when it claims it "is not a guarantor of Lebanon's ceasefire agreement," emphasizing that the US administration "is coordinating this war with Israel and actively working to expand it across the region."

"Under the pretext of Israel's security, there isn't a single corner they don't want to inspect, occupy, or bomb," Sheikh Qassem stated, adding that the Resistance has strong faith and position, enhanced by military capabilities.

He acknowledged that the Resistance would likely suffer significant losses if it defended Lebanon against the occupation, yet affirmed, "We remain hopeful that by standing firm, we can not only shut the door in their faces and open the path to liberation."

Lebanon facing three imminent dangers

In the same context, Sheikh Qassem emphasized that Lebanon faces three real dangers: the Israeli occupation in the south, "ISIS-affiliated elements" along the eastern border, and "American hegemony that seeks to control Lebanon, impose trusteeship over it, and strip it of any capacity for independent action or sovereignty."

US-sponsored Israeli expansionism

Elaborating on these dangers, Sheikh Naim Qassem pointed out that "what they want is for there to be a Greater Israel, thus the quest to divide the region," recollecting the statement of US envoy Tom Barrack that "Lebanon is on the verge of extinction if it doesn't accelerate change," which he interpreted as "Lebanon must be surrendered to Israel."

He went on to say that the United States and the Israeli occupation want "to divide Lebanon between Israel and Syria," warning that "inciting sectarian strife and annexing Lebanon to regional powers, at least temporarily aligning it with the Levant, is an extremely dangerous proposition."

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Sheikh Qassem further warned that "all sects in Lebanon are under threat," pointing to the ongoing sectarian targeting in Syria and the Israeli occupation's attacks against Christians in Gaza as well, while adding, "If there's a decision to act, they won't need much time to launch an attack from eastern Lebanon."

Hezbollah's arms are foundational for Lebanon

"Israel will never be handed our weapons," Hezbollah's Secretary-General emphatically announced, warning "Israel" that it "will never achieve its objectives as long as we exist." 

He expressed readiness to defend Lebanon if "Israel" launches an attack that they believe calls for their defense, adding, "Those who choose submission may do so, that is their own business, but we will never accept humiliation, especially not after our immense sacrifices and the strength we’ve gained to ensure this outcome."

Furthermore, Sheikh Naim Qassem clarified that the issue is "not about disarming [the Resistance], but rather a step in Israel's expansionist agenda."

He maintained that Hezbollah's weapons stand as an obstacle in "Israel's" way precisely because they've "enabled Lebanon to stand firm and prevented the occupation's encroachment."

Resistance preserves Lebanon's stability

Sheikh Qassem emphasized that the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon achieved liberation in 2000, prevented Lebanon's occupation in 2006, ensured stability through its strength and presence, and during the "People of Might" operation, stopped the occupation forces from reaching the capital, Beirut.

He stressed that the core purpose of this Resistance remains "liberation and protecting Lebanon from occupation, blocking Israel’s expansionist ambitions, and preventing its plunder and control of Lebanon’s resources and future."

In the same context, he addressed the Lebanese people, urging patience regarding the exclusivity of arms given the existential threat facing Lebanon, calling for unity and focus on priorities, affirming that once the danger is eliminated, they are open to discussing national defense and security strategies.

Lebanon will not fall into sectarian clash

On the Lebanese internal front, Sheikh Qassem cautioned against "betting on inter-Shiite fragmentation," stressing that "Hezbollah and the Amal Movement share a genuine strategic partnership."

He noted that Hezbollah and the Amal Movement "recognize they're facing an existential threat, not just to the resistance but to its foundations and Lebanon as a whole, including all its communities."

He also urged against "betting on disagreements with the three presidents, who possess the wisdom and awareness of dangers needed to steer the country through its crises."

'Israel' violated the ceasefire agreement

Hezbollah's Secretary-General reiterated that the Resistance has fully adhered to its commitments under the ceasefire agreement, while Israeli occupation forces have persistently violated its terms, continuing their aggression over the past eight months; a fact witnessed globally and acknowledged internationally, with widespread recognition that "Israel" has committed 3,800 violations.

He pointed out that Hezbollah has fully implemented the agreement south of the Litani River, while the Lebanese state deployed its army where it could, yet "Israel" has failed to fulfill any of its obligations.

On martyr Ali Karaki

As for the occasion, Sheikh Qassem honored the martyred leader Ali Karaki, stressing that he was one of the truthful who stayed faithful to their choice and adopted the authentic Islamic path of Prophet Muhammad. He added that Karaki never left South Lebanon, even after facing repeated assassination attempts.

Sheikh Qassem pointed out that the martyr was one of the key figures in building the military structure of the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon and played a prominent role in confronting Israeli occupation aggression during multiple stages of the struggle.

Speaking about the martyr's key roles, Sheikh Qassem noted that Karaki had participated in planning the martyrdom operation of Ahmad Qasir alongside the martyred commander Imad Mughniyeh and had orchestrated numerous other military operations in the years leading up to the 2000 liberation.

Following the liberation, the martyr assumed leadership of the Foundation for the Wounded for two years before assuming the command of the Master of Martyrs Headquarters in 2006, a position he held until his martyrdom.

The martyr also served as a member of Hezbollah's Jihad Council and as a military aide to the martyred leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah since 2008. During this period, he played an active role in planning and overseeing combat operations against extremist groups in Syria when the war on the country broke out.