Hezbollah's Sheikh Qassem: Resistance Prevented Israeli Enemy from Achieving Its Goals in Lebanon

Al Manar

12-05-2025

Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem affirmed that 'the resistance demonstrated legendary steadfastness in the Battle of Mighty Warriors and prevented the Israeli occupation from achieving its goals.' He warned that the recent Israeli strikes on Nabatieh and Iqlim Al-Tuffah amounted to 'playing with fire,' stressing that Hezbollah would not yield to threats or pressure: 'We will not submit—we will confront.'
Honoring Senior Hezbollah Commander
In a televised speech aired via Al-Manar TV marking the ninth anniversary of the martyrdom of senior commander Sayyed Mustafa Badreddine (Sayyed Zulfikar), Sheikh Qassem initiated by offering condolences to Sayyed Badreddine's family and to the families of martyrs across Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, Iraq, Iran, and other regions where sacrifices have been made in defense of resistance.
He described Sayyed Badreddine as a pivotal figure who fought Israeli forces following the 1982 invasion and sustained injuries in combat. He led the notable Ansariya operation in 1997, personally overseeing its execution.
Sheikh Qassem also recalled Badreddine's early involvement in supporting the Iranian revolution and his leadership in media operations, including coverage following the martyrdom of Hadi Nasrallah, son of Hezbollah's Secretary-General.
'He was both a commander and a mentor—respected for his strategic mind and deeply loved by his comrades.'
A Regional Struggle
Sheikh Qassem framed the resistance as part of a long-standing battle against an Israeli project dating back to 1948—one backed by US and Western powers aiming to reshape the region through military dominance and colonization.
He stated that the Israeli occupation has been gradually annexing Palestinian land over the decades, from the 1948 territories to the 1967 occupation and beyond, including parts of neighboring Arab countries.
Gaza and the Fight for Survival
Sheikh Qassem hailed Gaza's endurance in the face of ongoing Israeli attacks, crediting the leadership of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and other Palestinian factions, along with the broader Palestinian people, for exposing the brutality of the Israeli state.
He described the Israeli enemy's current military campaign as an attempt at total destruction.
'What's happening in Gaza today is not war—it's mass killing. Civilians in tents—children, women, and men—are being targeted indiscriminately.'
Sheikh Qassem affirmed the Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to 'eradicate life in Gaza' in a bid to crush the Palestinian resistance and destroy its future, asserting.
'He has failed—and will continue to fail—even if the war drags on.'
Resistance: A Strategic Necessity
Referring to the failed May 17 Agreement of 1983, Sheikh Qassem said, 'The Israeli enemy sought to gradually annex parts of Lebanon, but it failed to impose this plan.'
His Eminence stated that the Israeli occupation's ambitions in Lebanon have repeatedly been thwarted by resistance.
Sheikh Qassem noted that the Israeli enemy maintained its occupation through the creation of the South Lebanon Army, aiming to control territory indirectly. However, 'In 2000, full liberation was achieved, and the Israeli enemy was forced to withdraw without realizing its goals.'
Sheikh Qassem asserted that ever since the Israeli enemy's defeat in the July 2006 war, the resistance has successfully blocked any further Israeli advances, creating a climate of security that enabled economic stability across southern Lebanon and the country at large.
Reflecting on the broader implications, he asked, 'Had the Israeli enemy managed to gradually seize parts of Lebanon over the years, what would the country look like today?'
Sheikh Qassem hailed the steadfastness shown during the recent battle of Mighty Warriors, calling it 'legendary.'
'Resistance is real, necessary, and effective. It is a defensive strategy, a political vision, and a guarantor of sovereignty and dignity.'
His Eminence reiterated Hezbollah's commitment to resistance: 'We remain firmly committed to defending our land, our rights, our people, and our future.'
Commenting on recent Israeli aggression on Nabatieh and Iqlim Al-Tuffah, Sheikh Qassem warned that such provocations are dangerous and 'will not allow the Israeli enemy to achieve its objectives.' He called on the Lebanese state and the international sponsors of agreements to take more decisive action.
'We will not bow to threats or pressure. Any attempt to weaken our resistance without detailed coordination with the Lebanese state is delusional,' Sheikh Qassem confirmed.
'Lebanon is moving toward stability, and it is the Israeli aggression that threatens this path. This new era under President General Joseph Aoun brings great hopes, as we are partners in it and a part of it,' His Eminence clarified.
Addressing Hezbollah supporters, Sheikh Qassem said, 'Our resilience on the battlefield has proven our strength. You are the ones reclaiming land. You are Lebanon's promising future alongside the army and the people.'
To those aligned with the Israeli enemy, he responded, 'Your history is one of destruction and betrayal. You are harming Lebanon. The priority now must be halting aggression, ending violations, and releasing detainees — and the Lebanese state must act with full force.'
Hezbollah's Sheikh Qassem urged the government to prioritize post-conflict reconstruction and demanded that it be placed on the agenda of the first cabinet session.
Regarding recent municipal elections, His Eminence praised Lebanese enthusiasm for state-building and highlighted electoral successes achieved in coordination with the Amal Movement, particularly in Mount Lebanon.
Sheikh Qassem concluded by congratulating Yemen on what he described as a 'victory over the US,' commending its continued support for Palestine and its stance against the Israeli occupation.