Hezbollah chief: the field has proven that it has the final say, forcing Israeli enemy to accept terms
BEIRUT, April 19 (YPA) – Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem said the ceasefire agreement with Israel represents a “complete halt to all hostilities,” stressing that the battlefield has shown it ultimately determined the outcome by forcing the Israeli side to accept the terms, which he attributed to the steadfastness and resilience of fighters on the front lines.
Operational Readiness and Ceasefire Conditions
In a statement on Saturday, Qassem affirmed that that Hezbollah does not trust Israel, stating that fighters remain ready on the ground.
The resistance “will respond to any violations,” he said, stressing that combatants remain with “their hands on the trigger.”
He added that stated the ceasefire with “Israel” must be reciprocal and binding on both sides, emphasizing that the truce cannot be one-sided.
He reaffirmed the rejection of what he described as “futile diplomatic tracks” that, he said, have wasted time without producing tangible results over the past months.
Five Conditions for the Next Phase
Qassem outlined five priorities for the next stage following the ceasefire.
- A permanent cessation of aggression across all of Lebanon — air, land, and sea.
- Withdrawal of the Israeli enemy from the occupied territories to the borders.
- Release of prisoners.
- Return of the people to their villages and towns up to the borders.
- Reconstruction with Arab and international support and national responsibility.
Political Vision and National Unity
Qassem reiterated Hezbollah is open to cooperation with Lebanese authorities, calling for a unified national approach based on sovereignty, stability, and preventing internal division.
He stressed coordination between the army, the people, the resistance, and political leadership to protect Lebanon’s independence and prevent external interference.
Praise for Resilience and Regional Support
He praised the “legendary” resilience of the fighters of the resistance who broke the Israeli enemy’s advance despite its mobilization of one hundred thousand soldiers on the border, and it was unable to reach the Litani, neither in the first week as it planned, nor in 45 days during the “Eaten Straw” battle.
He also thanked Iran for its strategic support, highlighting political and field-level coordination that, according to him, contributed to forcing both the United States and “Israel” to halt hostilities.
Rejection of External Pressure
Qassem strongly criticized a US State Department statement on the ceasefire, describing it as an imposition on Lebanon.
He said the document, titled “Ceasefire Agreement between Lebanon and Israel – April 2026,” was issued after the ceasefire took effect and “means nothing in practical terms,” but constitutes “an insult to our country.”
He added that the statement falsely claimed Lebanese government approval, noting that “the Lebanese government did not meet and did not approve this statement.”
Qassem rejected what he described as attempts to impose direct negotiations with Israel, calling them “humiliating,” and warned against accepting externally dictated terms.
He concluded by stating that Lebanon has “emerged with its head held high” thanks to the sacrifices of its martyrs, notably Hassan Nasrallah, adding that “tyrants of the world” will not undermine Lebanon’s resolve or independence.
@E.Y.M