Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem declared on Friday that Israel must completely withdraw from Lebanon, asserting that the country "has no option but to withdraw completely from every inch of Lebanese land" and "must leave humiliated and defeated." This unequivocal demand for a full Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territories shows Hezbollah's long-standing position on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon. Qassem's statement emphasized that the complete cessation of any Israeli presence is non-negotiable for the Lebanese resistance movement.
Speaking during Ashura commemorations in Beirut’s southern suburbs, Qassem linked current events to historical struggles, stating, "We are no longer facing the Karbala of history, but a Karbala connected from history to the present and the future," and adding, "the light of Karbala has begun to spread and liberation is coming." The Secretary-General's remarks followed a drone strike on the Zawtar al-Sharqiyah-Mayfadoun road in southern Lebanon, which Hezbollah condemned as a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement and the first clause of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding. This incident, occurring on a vital route in southern Lebanon, further fueled tensions and provided a backdrop for Qassem's strong condemnation of Israeli actions.
During his address, Qassem also offered, "We are ready and extending our hand… Seize the opportunity, for the resistance is strong and we are with you if you proceed on the path of Lebanese sovereignty." This outreach, while conditional on adherence to Lebanese sovereignty, notes Hezbollah's perception of its role as a protector of the nation. He described the overall situation as "an official declaration of the defeat of America and Israel," framing recent developments within a broader narrative of resistance victories against perceived adversaries.
Recent Ceasefire Violations and Casualties
Hezbollah accused Israel of another ceasefire violation following a drone strike that resulted in civilian casualties. The incident involved a drone strike that killed two Lebanese civilians. This attack, which took place on the Zawtar al-Sharqiyah-Mayfadoun road in southern Lebanon, was explicitly cited by Hezbollah as a clear breach of existing agreements. In addition to the two fatalities, the attack wounded one other individual, further showing the human cost of these alleged violations.
Hezbollah stated unequivocally that the drone attack not only violated the general ceasefire agreement but also specifically contravened the first clause of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding. This accusation marks another instance where Hezbollah has claimed Israel breached existing ceasefire agreements, intensifying concerns about regional stability. The group’s condemnation noted the ongoing fragility of the ceasefire and the potential for escalation arising from such incidents.
Qassem's Broader Political Vision and Regional Dynamics
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem rejected any normalization or arrangement that would permit a continued Israeli presence in Lebanon. This stance reinforces Hezbollah’s foundational principle of resisting any form of Israeli occupation or influence within Lebanese borders. His statements made it clear that any diplomatic efforts or agreements that do not result in a complete and unconditional Israeli withdrawal are unacceptable.
Qassem also stated that Hezbollah and Iran have "broken the project together," framing this as a collective achievement within the framework of the Axis of Resistance. This assertion shows the strong alliance between Hezbollah and Iran and their shared strategic objectives in the region. The "project" referred to is understood to be efforts by external powers to undermine their influence or impose certain political outcomes.
He further called for strong cooperation with Lebanese authorities, emphasizing that such collaboration should be based on principles of national sovereignty. This call for unity and adherence to national principles reflects Hezbollah's desire for a strong, independent Lebanese state, free from foreign intervention. Qassem urged these authorities to prioritize the nation's reconstruction efforts, address the ongoing economic crisis, and safeguard depositors’ funds. These domestic priorities, articulated amidst regional tensions, highlight Hezbollah's engagement with internal Lebanese challenges.
Rhetoric and Regional Context
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem characterized the United States-Iran memorandum of understanding as an "official declaration" of the defeat of both the US and Israel. His statement showed a specific interpretation of the agreement's implications for regional power dynamics, portraying it as a significant setback for American and Israeli interests. Qassem's remarks, made during the solemn Ashura commemorations, positioned this memorandum within a broader narrative of resistance victories and the shifting balance of power in the Middle East.
The Hezbollah leader has consistently articulated a vision where such developments signify a weakening of adversarial influence in the region, reinforcing the narrative of the Axis of Resistance gaining ground. This perspective aligns with Hezbollah's long-standing stance on international agreements involving Iran and their perceived impact on the group's strategic objectives, viewing them through the lens of resistance and regional empowerment. His address served to rally support and reinforce the group's ideological foundations in the face of ongoing geopolitical complexities.
