Sheikh Naim Qassem holds US responsible for Palestine developments, urges Lebanese state to protect sovereignty
BEIRUT, Feb. 16 (YPA) – Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem affirmed on Monday that while the party does not seek or want war, it will not surrender and remains ready for defense, warning that political and military pressures would not it to abandon its weapons.
Speaking at a ceremony commemorating the “Leader Martyrs,” Qassem emphasized that resisting occupation is a “shared responsibility between the state, the army, and the people.”
He asserted that any occupying presence necessitates resistance to expel it, noting that the Hezbollah’s experience over the past decades has yielded “accumulated achievements” in this regard.
Position on Palestine
Qassem accused the Israeli occupation of being an “expansionist entity targeting the entire region,” pointing out that the events in Gaza and the gradual annexation of the West Bank are carried out with full American support.
He specifically held U.S. President Donald Trump politically responsible for the situation in Palestine, stating that agreements made with the Israeli occupation remain nothing more than “ink on paper.”
Message to the Lebanese Interior
On the domestic front, the Secretary-General criticized the Lebanese government’s focus on the issue of disarmament, describing it as a “major sin” that serves the enemy’s objectives.
He called for the adoption of a national strategy that enhances sovereignty and utilizes the resistance’s capabilities alongside the Lebanese army.
Qassem clarified that Hezbollah does not seek foreign assistance to rebuild the country, stating that Lebanon is capable of recovering through its own resources. He stressed that surrender or bowing to pressure would not bring stability.
The Equation of Deterrence
Qassem noted that Hezbollah prefers to avoid war but is prepared for it if it is imposed. He distinguished between “initiating a war” and “forced defense,” adding that “maximum pressure” policies will not succeed against a steadfast people and a determined resistance.
He concluded by reaffirming the commitment to national unity and the rejection of internal strife, calling on the government to develop a clear plan to achieve sovereignty while keeping the option of confrontation on the table should aggression continue.
YPA