Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem delivered an address on Saturday commemorating Martyrs Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, highlighting their pivotal roles in countering US and Israeli agendas in the region.

"Martyr Soleimani uncovered US plans, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan, and its support for ISIS," Sheikh Qassem stated. He also noted Soleimani's efforts in countering Israeli ambitions, stressing, "Martyr Soleimani also laid bare Israel's plans for regional occupation."

Sheikh Qassem credited Soleimani with revitalizing the Palestinian cause, saying, "He succeeded in bringing the Palestinian cause back to the forefront through the confrontations in Palestine."

Resistance foiled 'Israel's' plans

Reflecting on the 2024 Israeli aggression on Lebanon, Sheikh Qassem described the effectiveness of the Resistance's strategy, "In the 2024 aggression, 'Israel' paid a hefty price, as it was incapable of advancing more than a few hundred meters at the front; this is deterrence."

"The enemy was forced to request a ceasefire because of the Resistance; we accepted through the Lebanese government," he underlined.

The Hezbollah leader praised the steadfastness of the Resistance in the face of all that was thrown at it during the war. "We shouldered unprecedented aggression and we were steadfast, subduing 'Israel'. Making sacrifices is how we maintain our honor; the Resistance will go on."

Sheikh Qassem also lauded the Resistance performance during Operation People of Might, saying it "put an end to Israel's ambitions for Lebanon."

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Turning to Syria, he warned of parallels between the events that took place in Syria and Lebanon saying, "What happened in Syria could have happened in Lebanon, and I believe that the Syrian people could have a future role in confronting Israel."

Sheikh Qassem reaffirmed Hezbollah's commitment to its mission, stating, "Resistance is our sole option to liberate our land and sovereignty and to support Palestine and righteousness in the face of the expansionist Israeli occupation."

Addressing the operational dynamics of the Resistance, he concluded, "The Resistance's leadership decides when and how to pick up arms, as well as which weapons to use."

Hezbollah chooses when, how to act

"There is no specific timetable that determines the Resistance's performance, whether through the agreement or after the 60 days are up," Sheikh Qassem added.

He clarified that decisions are made exclusively by the Resistance's leadership, stating, "Our patience is linked to when we deem the time to be right; it is the Resistance's leadership that decides whether to remain patient, initiate an attack, or respond."

Sheikh Qassem also highlighted the role of the Lebanese state in ensuring adherence to agreements. "The government, of which we are a part, has a responsibility to follow up with the mediators to curb 'Israel's' actions and enforce the agreement," he noted.

Expressing confidence in the Resistance, Sheikh Qassem declared, "The Resistance is strong and perfectly capable." Despite acknowledging the toll of the conflict, he stressed the enduring resolve of Hezbollah. "We have a high morale despite our losses and pain. At the end of the day, what matters is that our liberation project was not foiled," he affirmed.

A 'rebirth' for Lebanon

Reflecting on the significance of the war, he said, "Operation People of Might was a rebirth for the unconquerable Lebanon."

Sheikh Qassem extended praise to regional allies and their role in confronting common adversaries. "The Palestinian people are exceptional, and they and their Resistance are eternal," he remarked.

He also commended Yemen for its steadfastness, saying, "Praise be to Yemen, which is economically disadvantaged but rich in its people, leadership, beliefs, and steadfastness as it faces off against 'Israel' and the United States."

On Lebanon's internal politics, Sheikh Qassem underscored the need for unity and proper governance. "We are keen to elect a President on the condition that parliamentary blocs elect him in an open session of parliament," he stated. He added, "We are working on nourishing unity and cooperation in order to develop our country."