Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem affirmed that Lebanon’s sovereignty lies in the hands of its people, particularly those steadfastly cultivating their land along the borders, describing them as “the true sovereigns.”

Speaking during a ceremony in southern Lebanon, Sheikh Qassem denounced the ongoing US interference in Lebanese affairs, accusing Washington of “sponsoring aggression rather than mediating peace.” He said, “The US claims to be working to resolve the situation in Lebanon, but it is not an honest broker; it sponsors the aggression and its expansion.”

The Hezbollah leader criticized Washington’s silence over what he described as more than 5,000 Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty, adding that such transgressions have only increased with every announced visit by a US envoy. “Where does the US stand on these violations? On the contrary, it justifies them,” he said.

Sheikh Qassem also rejected accusations targeting the Lebanese Army’s right to defend the country, questioning the US position on the killing of civilians and the “unjustified assassination of a government worker.” He asserted that intimidation would not deter Lebanon’s resistance, declaring, “We are not advocates of surrender or defeat, and we will never accept it. Israel can occupy, but it cannot persist in the occupation of our land.”

'We do not want betrayal'

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Addressing the Lebanese people, Qassem urged unity and vigilance against internal divisions, saying, “We are not asking for support but for us not to be stabbed in the back or for some to serve Israeli interests. The government is the primary party responsible for preserving sovereignty.”

He stressed that Lebanon’s sovereignty is under real threat from US belligerence and “greedy Israeli expansion,” emphasizing that national solidarity remains the path to reclaiming occupied territories. “The Resistance’s goal is national liberation, while the enemy’s goal is occupation,” he said.

Qassem reiterated Hezbollah’s commitment to the Taif Agreement, stating that it cannot be selectively applied. “Those who claim to abide by the Taif Agreement cannot pick and choose its articles, especially those regarding the liberation of Lebanese soil.”

He concluded by underscoring that the Resistance is not seeking to assume anyone’s role but to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty. “Israel must implement the agreement as Lebanon already has; any new accord would only absolve it and pave the way for further aggression. The Resistance remains a source of power for Lebanon that must be preserved.”

Hezbollah 'ready to face Israel'

Qassem affirmed that the Resistance is prepared for defense but is not preparing to initiate a battle, explaining that while they have no decision to start a fight or to take the initiative in combat, they are willing to defend Lebanon in case of war

Sheikh Qassem emphasized that if a battle is forced upon them, they will fight the Israelis with whatever means they have, even if it comes down to the last man or woman, and will not allow them to pass through South Lebanon.

He pointed out in an exclusive interview with Al-Manar TV on Sunday that "the rhythm of the daily aggressions we are witnessing is pressure from America and Israel to achieve through politics what they have failed to accomplish on the ground."

Furthermore, he warned that “if the enemy launches a war on Lebanon, it will achieve nothing,” urging the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement. He added that “everyone stands to benefit if the agreement is upheld, but if it is not, they will gain nothing, and we will continue preparing to resist any potential aggression.”