Naim Qassem: No one can prevent us from possessing defensive capabilities

BEIRUT, Dec. 05 (YPA) – Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem stressed the party’s rejection of including a civilian president in the monitoring mechanism for the cessation of hostilities agreement, considering this step a clear violation of all statements that stipulated the participation of any civilian in the committee’s work as a condition for the cessation of hostilities. He described it as “an additional blunder added to the sin of the August 5th decision.”

In a speech he delivered during the “Naji’ and Madad” festival honoring the martyred scholars on Friday, Sheikh Qassem affirmed that any step taken in this context “will only be an integral part of Israel’s demands.” He emphasized that the party has done its part and enabled the state to impose its sovereignty within the agreement, adding: “Rest assured, they cannot do anything if we are united.”

Sheikh Qassem explained that the Israeli attacks are caused by the gradual occupation project, not the presence of weapons. He stressed that “America and Israel have no business interfering in our internal affairs,” and that the limits of Lebanon’s relationship with the two parties should stop at the agreement pertaining to southern Lebanon only.

He also affirmed the continuation of the resistance in defending the homeland, and that “no one in the world can prevent the party from possessing defensive capabilities,” emphasizing that Hezbollah will not back down or surrender, and will not give any importance to “Israel,” America, and their servants.

Speaking about Hezbollah’s internal role in Lebanon, Sheikh Naim Qassem pointed out that the party is not isolated, but has always been part of a comprehensive national resistance and that it “has not imposed its opinion on anyone, but rather cooperated with all parties and presented a pioneering experience.”

“Some still speak of “Israel’s” demands as if they justify them, and the Israeli attacks are not for the sake of Hezbollah’s weapons or the resistance, but rather to establish a gradual occupation,” he said.

In response to the criticism leveled at the party’s statement regarding the Pope’s visit to Lebanon, Sheikh Qassem said that some affected parties confronted Hezbollah’s statement instead of focusing on the visit itself, stressing that the arrows aimed at the party are proof of its influence and will only increase its resolve and steadfastness.

The Secretary-General of Hezbollah concluded by emphasizing that “the party cooperates with everyone to build the state and liberate the land, and does not wait for anyone’s approval, nor does it grant it to anyone,” considering that the Americans and Israelis want to eliminate the party’s existence, but the party will not allow this under any circumstances.