Latest news with #pro-Hizbullah
Memri
2 days ago
- Politics
- Memri
Pro-Hizbullah Daily: Southern Syrian Tribes Seeking Weapons, Training From Parties In Turkey To Confront Israel, Syrian Government
On May 24, 2025, the pro-Hizbullah Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar published an article which quoted "field sources" in southern Syria's Daraa governorate, who claimed that "security tensions" have increased in the area due to the incursions of Israeli forces and fears of a resurgence of Islamic State (ISIS) cells, which were previously active in the area under the name Jaysh Khalid bin Al-Walid (JKBW).[1] Daraa's "complicated tribal nature," according to Al-Akhbar, had enabled ISIS to establish a presence among some tribes, who often possess personal weapons.[2] In addition, Al-Akhbar noted growing discontent with interim Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Daraa due to his April dissolution of the Eighth Brigade headed by Ahmad Al-Awda, who still enjoys "popularity" in southern Syria, as well as the government's lack of a "firm stance" regarding "repeated Israeli incursions." Al-Sharaa's recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Riyadh, which raised speculations that Syria may join the Abraham Accords, and the Syrian leader's remarks about "peace," were met with "widespread rejection" in southern Syria, according to the pro-Hizbullah daily. Al-Akhbar claimed that many locals feel that Al-Sharaa has "abandoned them religiously and ideologically" by adopting "pragmatic" rhetoric that distances Syria from the "principles of the Arab-Israeli conflict." Al-Akhbar's sources reported that some "opposition factions" are acting to hold secret meetings in Turkey, seeking to obtain weapons and training from "stakeholders in the Syrian issue," in preparation for future confrontation with the Syrian government if it "continues its steps toward normalization" with Israel, or to take independent action against Israeli forces if government inaction persists. While locals appreciate Al-Sharaa's efforts to preserve Syria's unity and pursue "security cells," they reject any ties to Israel, and "tribal voices" have compared Al-Sharaa negatively with Assad, insisting that "the former regime, despite its drawbacks, would never remain silent to the Israeli incursions." The Lebanese daily warned that "various approaches" are needed to guarantee southern Syria's stability, so that the area does not "slide … into chaos" again. The Iran-backed Islamic Resistance Front in Syria – Formidable in Might militia is active in southern Syria and has claimed small-scale operations against Israeli forces in the area.[3] Israeli actions in Syria have been met with anger among Syrian jihadis, who have called for armed jihad against Israel.[4]
Memri
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Across Latin America, Iranian Spanish-Language State-Controlled, Hizbullah-Affiliated, And Pro-Hizbullah Media Outlets Extensively Cover Funeral Of Hizbullah Leader Nasrallah – As Do Some Regional Alternative Media
The funeral for Hizbullah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah, killed on September 27, 2024, took place at Beirut's Camille Chamoun stadium on February 23, 2025. Also commemorated at the ceremony was Hashem Safieddine, Nasrallah's successor, who had led Hizbullah for just a week before he too was killed. Nasrallah was buried in Beirut and Safieddine was buried the following day in his southern Lebanon hometown. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of thousands of people from all around the world. [1] The event triggered an unprecedented surge in Iran-controlled and Iran-affiliated Spanish-language social media activity across Latin America, revealing the extent of Iran's influence across the continent. In this coordinated media campaign led by Iranian state-controlled outlets such as IRNA Español and HispanTV, together with the Beirut-based pro-Hizbullah network Al-Mayadeen, Nasrallah was depicted as a revered martyr, and his killing framed as a unifying moment for the so-called "resistance" movement. The campaign was also picked up by regional mainstream platforms such as Venezuela's state-funded TeleSUR TV, thus boosted Tehran's ideological reach in the Spanish-speaking world. Additionally, Iran's embassies in Venezuela and Bolivia, along with a network of Argentinean clerics linked to Mohsen Rabbani – the prominent Shi'ite cleric identified as a key suspect in the 1994 AMIA Jewish center bombing in Buenos Aires and is affiliated with the Organization for the Liberation of Argentina (OLA) [2] – leveraged the funeral to further promote Tehran's ideological messaging in the region. This media blitz underscores how Tehran and its accessories continue to use Spanish-language platforms to shape narratives in Latin America. By melding religious rhetoric with political propaganda, these networks not only justify Hizbullah's activity but also cultivate support in the region for Iran's broader geopolitical agenda in Latin America. The following is a review of the posts in the coordinated media campaign centering on Nasrallah's funeral, published by the Iranian state media outlet IRNA Español, the Iranian state-controlled HispanTV, and the pro-Hizbullah Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen Español; by the Venezuelan state-funded TelesurTV and by Resumen Latinoamericano and AlmaPlusTV – two regional outlets that bill themselves, respectively, as an alternative media platform with a strong focus on social movements, resistance struggles, and countering mainstream media narratives and as a "resistance platform" that promotes an "anti-imperialist", anti-capitalist, and anti-interventionist agenda [3] – and also by pro-Hizbullah, pro-Iran activist sheikhs in Argentina. Iranian State Outlet IRNA Español – Posting Footage Of Massive Crowds Attending Nasrallah's Funeral Iranian state media shaped the narrative surrounding Nasrallah's and Safieddine's funerals for the region via their Spanish-language branches. IRNA Español, the Latin America branch of the Iranian state-run Islamic Republic News Agency, extensively covered the funerals, depicting them as a moment of widespread mourning and unwavering support for the "resistance." On February 22, the day before the funerals took place, IRNA Español posted a reel on Instagram showing massive crowds gathering for Nasrallah's funeral in Beirut. It wrote, in Spanish and English: "Thousands of people are arriving in Lebanon from around the world – by plane, car, bus, or even on foot – to witness the funeral of martyr Hassan Nasrallah this Sunday and to bid farewell to their leader. This is more than just a funeral; it is a pledge of allegiance to the Resistance." [4] Later that day, another reel was posted by IRNA Español, of footage of Nasrallah's funeral procession. The text stated: "Grief and tears sweep through the Lebanese people as they mourn the loss of Hizbullah's Secretary General, the martyr Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah." [5] As the funeral proceeded on February 23, IRNA Español posted another reel showing the growing crowds and stating that hundreds of thousands of people were making their way to the funeral venue. [6] Also on February 23, IRNA Español posted a reel of footage of Nasrallah's funeral ceremony at Beirut's Camille Chamoun Stadium. It wrote: "Aerial images show the enthusiastic attendance of people at the funeral ceremony of the leaders of the Lebanese Resistance." [7] The reel was shared in coordination with two other Instagram pages: @ sin_censura43 (35.6K Instagram followers) and @ clamorsur (11.2K Instagram followers), amplifying the reach of the narrative of mass public support for Nasrallah among Latin American audience s. IRNA Español itself has fewer than 4,500 followers on Instagram. Iranian State-Controlled HispanTV – Reporting On This "Profoundly Symbolic" Event, Interviewing People In The Street On February 24, the Iranian state-owned media outlet HispanTV posted a live TV report on Instagram under its analysis show, "Behind the Reason," covering Nasrallah's funeral. The show host called the event "profoundly symbolic," especially since "axis of resistance" figures had clarified that Hizbullah would continue along the path laid out by Nasrallah throughout his three decades as its leader. HispanTV has 294,000 followers on Instagram. HispanTV wrote in the post that Hizbullah would remain steadfast in Nasrallah's path and that the massive crowds at the funeral ceremony reflected the unwavering support in Lebanon and abroad for Hizbullah and its broader alliance. The resistance, it said, was still united, with the view of martyrdom as a virtue that strengthened its resolve to defend its land and sovereignty with even greater determination. [8] HispanTV has more than 29K followers on Instagram. On February 25, 2025, HispanTV published a post on Instagram about the Israeli fighter jet flyover during Nasrallah's funeral. Its "Voices of Beirut" show interviewed a Lebanese man in the street, who said: "Israel thought it could scare us. We've been fighting it for 40 years, and it has learned that our people do not fear... so now it tries to frighten us as we bid farewell to our secretary-general... The Zionists are backed by all the world's nations. Our battle has never been just against Israel – we've fought the U.S., its allies, and Zionist agents worldwide. They watch us, waiting for us to weaken... Our homes have been destroyed, yet we stand firm. Our youth have been martyred, yet we remain steadfast. We have liberated what remains of our land with our bare chests. Humiliation is foreign to us... His Eminence Sayyed Nasrallah taught us pride, dignity, and honor. The Israelis and their agents have failed to shake our confidence; not one ounce of our faith in victory has wavered. And victory will come, God willing. God has destined him to be a martyr." [9] A reel published by HispanTV on Instagram on February 24 stated that nearly half of Lebanon had taken to the streets of Beirut to reaffirm their commitment to Hizbullah, showing footage of the crowds, the Hizbullah flags, and the banners glorifying Nasrallah. Several of the participants were interviewed; they all expressed defiance and asserted that Israel's actions had only strengthened Hizbullah's resolve. One young woman, proudly holding a portrait of her dead Hizbullah-fighter father, declared, "We are here to renew this pact [with Hizbullah], to say that we rema in despite all the sacrifices, and that we will continue to sacrifice ourselves. This country deserves it." Another young woman called Nasrallah's "martyrdom" an "honor" and a "blessing," vowing to continue in his path, and another said, "If they think fighting us is weakening us, on the contrary, they are making us stronger." She added: "Our blood is boiling, and patience has its limits." The report concluded with a reference to Nasrallah as "the man of victories" who left a lasting impression on his followers. [10] Later, HispanTV posted a similar reel with similar themes. [11] Pro-Hizbullah Beirut-Based Outlet Al-Mayadeen Español – Narrative Comic Strip Depicts Lebanese Citizens Praising Nasrallah, Vowing To Continue Resistance A narrative comic strip was posted on Instagram on February 23, 2025 by Al-Mayadeen Español, the Spanish-language branch of the pro-Hizbullah Beirut-based network Al-Mayadeen. The comic strip, titled "The Legacy Of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah Transcends Time And Space," depicted Lebanese people of all ages and backgrounds expressing their sorrow over Nasrallah's death, expressing how he had influenced them and the future of the resistance, and reaffirming their commitment to his cause. One stated that Nasrallah was the vital force behind both the resistance and the people; another called his killing "a wound in the heart of the nation." Others rejected the notion that his death was a victory for Israel, insisting that the enemy had only strengthened their resolve. A little boy was depicted as being guided by his father in vowing that Nasrallah's example would live on in future generations and that he himself would grow up inspired by the leader's legacy. In the final image, Nasrallah's hand is shown alongside the message: "His legacy strengthens us, his example guides us, and his victory is eternal ." [12] Al-Mayadeen added on each post that "every mountain, every olive tree, and every candle lit" had become symbols of a people who refuse to surrender, and that while Lebanon was bidding farewell to its leader, it was also rising with renewed strength to continue the struggle. [13] AlMayadeenenespanol has 196,000 followers on Instagram. Venezuela's State-Funded TelesurTV – Showcasing The Massive Turnout For Nasrallah's Funeral On February 23, 2025, TelesurTV, a Venezuelan state-funded news outlet headquartered in Caracas, shared several Instagram posts showing the massive turnout for Nasrallah's funeral at Camille Chamoun Stadium from the early morning hours, arriving from across Lebanon and from Iran, Yemen, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Turkey. One caption, including on a post of a woman holding up a photo of Nasrallah, [14] stated: "Tens of thousands have gathered in Beirut, the capital of Hizbullah, to take part in funeral ceremonies honoring the martyrs of the Lebanese Islamic Resistance Movement." Another two reels showcased the crowds gathered at the venue waving thousands of Hizbullah flags, stating: "Thousands of followers bid farewell to the leader of Hizbullah Hassan Nasrallah." [15] TelesurTV has 568K followers on Instagram. In another February 23 post, TelesurTV recounted Nasrallah's life from to his early involvement in "resistance movements" and his cofounding of Hizbullah, calling him "a key figure in the region and a defender of the Palestinian cause." It added that thanks to his leadership, "Hizbullah grew into one of the most influential resistance movements in the Middle East." [16] A street poster in the photo features an image of Nasrallah and Safieddine taken from Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's message "on the occasion of the funeral ceremonies for martyrs Nasrallah and Safieddine." This image had been used as a backdrop to the funeral ceremony at the stadium and elsewhere as well around the time of the event. [17] Also on February 23, TelesurTV posted another reel showing the crowds attending the funeral and citing current Hizbullah leader Naim Qassem 's speech at the funeral in which he called Nasrallah "an historic, extraordinary, and exceptional leader who represented the free men of the world." [18] Notably, on February 24, TelesurTV posted about a meeting between the outlet's president, Patricia Villegas Marín, and Ahmad Bin Saeed Al-Rumaihi, director of the Doha-based Qatar News Agency. According to the post, the meeting, which was held WHERE?, was aimed at "strengthening cooperation and expanding the global reach" of TelesurTV's network, raising questions about the nature of this collaboration. [19] Resumen Latinoamericano – Praising Nasrallah's Legacy, Quotes Hizbullah Leader Calling Him "Leader Of The Resistance" On February 23, the Resumen Latinoamericano outlet, which bills itself as an alternative media platform with a strong focus on social movements, resistance struggles, and countering mainstream media narratives, [20] posted a reel about Nasrallah, adding numerous quotes by him and by the current Hizbullah leader Naim Qassem, who praised Nasrallah's legacy and vowed to continue in his footsteps. The outlet also quoted Qassem as calling Nasrallah "the leader of the Resistance," and highlighted his deep commitment to Islam and loyalty and his alleged humility, wisdom, and strategic vision. It added that he was "beloved by the Resistance and the people," and that he "kept his eyes on Palestine and Jerusalem," for the revitalization of the Palestinian cause, and that he had supervised Hizbullah's military operations from the Resistance's operations room until he was "martyred on this path." [21] Resumen Latinoamericano has over 25,000 followers on Instagram. Reel Posted By Resumen Latinoamericano In Collaboration With AlmaPlusTV – Nasrallah As Constellation Of Stars, Quran Verse On Martyrdom A reel posted February 23 by the Venezuela-based AlmaPlusTV in collaboration with Resumen Latinoamericano featured a depiction of Nasrallah as a constellation of stars in the sky and stated: "Today, the world pays tribute to Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, leader of the Lebanese Resistance. Nasrallah, a symbol of struggle and unity, leaves behind an eternal legacy that inspires people worldwide to resist oppression and fight for justice. His example of courage and leadership has transcended borders, uniting millions in an unprecedented global tribute. His legacy will endure as a beacon of hope and strength for generations to come." The narration included the Quran verse on martyrdom from Surah Al-Imran (3:169-170): "Never think of those who were killed in the cause of God as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving sustenance, rejoicing in what God has bestowed upon them, and waiting for those who will follow in their path." [22] AlmaPlusTV bills itself a "resistance platform" that promotes an "anti-imperialist", anti-capitalist, and anti-interventionist agenda. [23] Pro-Hizbullah, Pro-Iran Sheikhs In Argentina – Affiliates Of Prominent Cleric Mohsen Rabbani Two of Latin America's most vocal defenders of Hizbullah and of Iran's ideological agenda are Sheikh Abdul Karim Paz and Sheikh Mohsen Ali. Both of them are directly affiliated with the Organization for the Liberation of Argentina (OLA) [24] and with the prominent Shi'ite cleric Mohsen Rabbani, who was i dentified by federal prosecutor Alberto Nisman as the key architect of the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish center in Buenos Aires in which 85 people died and over 200 were wounded. [25] Nisman, who was murdered a day before he was scheduled to report on the findings of his investigation, [26] had described the At-Tawhid Mosque as the hub where Iranian officials coordinated the attack in conjunction with Hizbullah. Sheikh Abdul Karim Paz, who succeeded Rabbani as a leader of the At-Tawhid Mosque in Buenos Aires, has played a central role in propagating Iran's influence in Argentina. Paz has maintained close ideological and operational ties with Hizbullah, openly promoting its narrative. Sheikh Mohsen Ali, a disciple of Rabbani, serves as the director of the House for the Dissemination of Islam (Casa para la Difusión del Islam) in Buenos Aires, which operates on a property owned by Rabbani. Ali is known for his extremist rhetoric, including Holocaust denial, and for his unwavering support for Hizbullah. On February 21 and 22, Mohsen Ali announced on Instagram and Facebook that on February 22, he would host a special segment marking Nasrallah's funeral on his radio program The Human Being and The Qur'an on 1600 Armonía online radio. [27] In the segment, Sheikh Mohsen Ali interviewed Sheikh Abdul Karim Paz, who was in in Iran at the time of Nasrallah's funeral. Paz called Nasrallah "extraordinarily charismatic," and added that he had had the privilege of seeing him speak publicly prior to the 2006 Israel-Hizbullah war. He added, "I saw him three or four times in Beirut, and his presence was remarkable. He was deeply loved by [Iranian Supreme Leader Ali] Khamenei and also by [IRGC Qods Force commander] Qassem Soleimani." Lamenting Nasrallah's death, Paz said: "The day Seyyed Hassan was martyred was devastating for everyone. Believers around the world were deeply shaken. We could hardly believe it – it felt impossible. I remember posting, 'Oh Allah, send us Imam Mahdi as the only comfort great enough to console this immense loss.' But Seyyed Hassan always said that from now on, every step would be a victory. The people remain hopeful. His successor, Sheikh Naim Qassem, is also widely respected, and the movement remains strong." Both Mohsen Ali and Paz glorified Nasrallah in the broadcast, calling his death not a loss but part of Hizbullah's divine struggle. Mohsen Ali declared that Nasrallah was not "dead" in the traditional sense, but rather that he had received immediate reward in Paradise as a martyr. Quoting the Quran, he stated: "Do not count those who have fallen in the path of Allah among the dead, for they are alive, receiving a reward from Allah." He added: "Seyyed Hassan is alive, Seyyed Hashem is alive. All the martyrs, all the Palestinians who have died under oppression, tyranny, genocide, the Israeli bombs – they are alive and receiving their reward from Allah [although] you cannot perceive it [and] you do not realize it." Mohsen Ali insisted that this was not the beginning of Nasrallah's peaceful rest, but rather the "culmination of mourning." In a direct attack on Israel and Western narratives, Paz blamed "Zionist terrorism" for the suffering of Nasrallah and the so-called "Islamic Resistance," rejecting any portrayal of Hizbullah as a terrorist organization. Mohsen Ali then denied the Holocaust, stating: "The victim narrative they built around the Holocaust has collapsed – just like the gas chambers." Mohsen Ali wished Nasrallah "the highest level of Paradise" and "Allah's divine satisfaction." He went on to declare that "the victory of Islam is inevitable," asserting that this was neither a matter of willpower nor fanaticism, but rather a divine promise. Citing the Quran, he proclaimed: "It is our right to grant victory to the believers." He then predicted that "you will see people entering [Islam] in great numbers, entire nations accepting Islam." [28] On February 23, 2025, Abdul Karim Paz posted on Facebook: "Mass funeral of martyr Seyyed Hassan Nasrullah and martyr Seyyed Safieddine in Beirut. Infinite love all over the world." [29] On February 24, 2025, Sheikh Abdul Karim Paz reposted a video recapping key moments from Nasrallah's funeral. He wrote in the post: "Immense pain, we will follow your path." The post drew numerous comments expressing grief and admiration, with followers emphasizing Nasrallah's lasting influence. Some wrote, "Hassan left, but the Resistance continues with Hizbullah," and "May Allah be pleased with them." Others reflected on his legacy, stating, "We must follow his example; that way, he will always be present," and "He didn't get to see the triumph on earth." Many lamented the loss of Nasrallah; one wrote: "These are very sad moments we are living. It's not goodbye – he remains with every one of us." [30] On February 23, 2025, the day of Nasrallah's funeral, the Ash-Shahid Mosque in San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina, posted a photo of mosque director Sheikh Mahmud Aid alongside alongside a young Nasrallah and wrote: "On this special day for the followers of Ahlul-Bayt, we share this memory. Sheikh Mahmud Aid, Director of Ash-Shahid Mosque, with Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah, martyred by the Zionist Regime." [31] Earlier, on November 27, 2024, Jalil (Khalil) Zevallos, another sheikh at the At-Tawhid Mosque, had posted a graphic of the Hizbullah emblem along with the Quranic verse: "Indeed, the Party of God will be victorious" (Qur'an 5:56). He added: "Let's see how long this stays up..." [32] Iranian Embassies Across Latin America The Iranian Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela posted, on February 24, 2025, photos of a gathering the previous day, the day of Nasrallah's funeral, at Caracas Youth Square, where a group of Venezuelan supporters had assembled to honor Nasrallah. The event featured a speech by Iranian regime representative Siros Karimi. [33] One notable commenter on the post was Mohammed Hussain Azadi, who in his bio states that he is affiliated with the IRGC Aerospace Division. [34] Also on February 24, the Iranian Embassy in Bolivia shared a post on Instagram featuring a message from Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei about the funeral ceremonies of Nasrallah and Safieddine. Khamenei called Nasrallah a "great mujahid and vanguard leader of the Resistance in the region," stating that "while his pure body was buried in the land of jihad, his spirit and life would be more revered each day and will guide others on the path." The message concluded with prayers for peace upon the fallen figures and all "valiant and self-sacrificing fighters who have attained martyrdom." [35] More MEMRI Reports On Iran And Hizbullah Activity In Latin America MEMRI JTTM report The Organization For The Liberation of Argentina (OLA) – Building Support For The Iranian Regime And Hizbullah In Argentina, June 24, 2020. MEMRI Inquiry & Analysis No. 1517, The Organization For The Liberation Of Argentina (OLA) – Building Support For The Iranian Regime And Hizbullah, July 1, 2020. MEMRI JTTM report Brazilian Shi'ite Cleric Rodrigo Jalloul Supports Iranian Regime, Disseminates Its Ideology In Brazil – And Recently Announced Intention To Run For São Paulo City Councilor, September 1, 2020. MEMRI Inquiry & Analysis No. 1662, Colombia's New President Gustavo Petro And The Dawn Of A New Era Of Opportunity For Iran In Latin America, October 21, 2022. MEMRI Inquiry & Analysis No. 1710, Massive Campaign Promoting Spanish Translation Of Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei's Memoir – Iran's Latest Strategy For Spreading Its Islamic Revolution In Latin America, August 15, 2023. [1] February 23, 2025. [3] July 23, 2024. [4] February 22, 2025. [5] February 23, 2025. [6] February 23, 2025. [7] February 23, 2025. [8] February 24, 2025. [9] February 25, 2025. [10] February 24, 2025. [11] February 25, 2025. [12] February 23, 2025 [13] February 23, 2025 [14] February 23, 2025. [15] February 23, 2025; February 23, 2025. [16] February 23, 2025. [17] February 23, 2025. [18] February 23, 2025. [19] February 24, 2024. [20] [21] February 23, 2025. [22] February 23, 2025. [23] July 23, 2024. [25] July 13, 2015. [26] December 27, 2017. [27] February 21, 2025. February 22, 2025. [28] February 22, 2025. [29] February 23, 2025. [30] February 24, 2025 [31] February 23, 2025. [32] November 27, 2024 [33] February 24, 2025. [34] [35] February 24, 2025.
Memri
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Opponents Of Hizbullah In The Arab World: The Funeral Of Hizbullah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah Spelled The Death Of The Organization; Lebanon Must Disarm It
On February 23, 2025, Hizbullah held a mass funeral for slain Hizbullah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in September2024, and for Hashem Safi Al-Din, who died the same way just days after he was appointed as Nasrallah's successor. Both Hizbullah and its opponents viewed the funeral as a way of gauging the organization's standing and the level of support for it in Lebanon and beyond, and as a kind of informal referendum on its path and its ideology, following its bitter war against Israel. In advance of the funeral, Hizbullah and its supporters made significant efforts to ensure maximum participation in it, of both political leaders and the general public from the country and abroad. Representatives of the organization met personally with senior Lebanese officials and invited them to attend, and Hizbullah leaders, headed by Secretary-General Na'im Qassem, repeatedly urged the public to participate as well. In a speech he delivered a week before the funeral, Qassem stressed the importance and symbolic significance of the event: "We want this funeral to be a show of support and affirmation of our course and path… I call on as many of our supporters as possible to attend, so people will see that Hizbullah and the Islamic resistance are strong and present on the ground and that whoever thinks of exerting pressure on them or hatching plots against them will not succeed…" [1] In the speech Qassem delivered at the funeral itself – which was transmitted by video since he did not attend, apparently for security reasons – he reiterated that the mass participation in the funeral was "an expression of loyalty" for Hizbullah the likes of which has rarely been seen in the history of Lebanon. [2] Hizbullah's Al-Manar television channel called the day of the funeral "The Day of Loyalty," and declared that "the human flood [that attended the funeral] renewed the covenant with the martyred Nasrallah and Safi Al-Din." [3] Two days after the funeral, the pro-Hizbullah Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar wrote that the event had been more than a funeral and that people had voted with their feet, adding that the tremendous participation and the exemplary organization proved that Hizbullah had managed to recover despite the heavy losses it sustained in the war. [4] Despite the vast attendance, estimated at 700,000 to 900,000 people, [5] it appears that Hizbullah failed in its attempt to imbue the funeral with a national air. Many of the Lebanese leaders who had been personally invited by Hizbullah representatives chose not to attend. These included Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the country's Prime Minister Nawwaf Salam, both of whom sent representatives in their stead, respectively Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who heads the Amal Movement and is close to Hizbullah, and Labor Minister Mohamad Haider, who is Hizbullah's representative in the government. Even some senior officials who are considered Hizbullah allies failed to attend, such as former president Michel Aoun; former prime minister Najib Mikati; Faisal Karami, head of the Al-Karama Movement, and Tony Frangieh, an MP for the Marada Movement. Druze leader Walid Jumblatt did not attend either, nor did former prime ministers Sa'ad Hariri and Fouad Siniora, who are considered opponents of Hizbullah but were nevertheless invited. [6] According to opponents of Hizbullah, the funeral of these two leaders spelled the death of the organization and of the path imposed by its patron, Iran. Seeing the absence of Lebanon's leaders as a sign that the new regime and many others in Lebanon wish to distance themselves from Hizbullah, they expressed hope that this would mark the start of a new era for Lebanon that would "reflect the hopes and aspirations of the Lebanese people." [7] Several of these figures called on Lebanon to take advantage of the weakness of Hizbullah and its Iranian patron to disarm the organization and combat its extremist ideology, so as to prevent it from regaining its strength. Others urged the state to prosecute Hizbullah operatives who have been involved in crimes against Lebanon but who have so far enjoyed immunity due to the organization's ability to impose its will on the country. The following are some of the responses from Hizbullah's opponents to the funeral held for Nasrallah and Safi Al-Din. Funeral of Hizbullah secretary-generals Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safi Al-Din, who were killed in Israeli airstrikes (Image: Al-Akhbar, Lebanon, February 25, 2025) Nasrallah's Funeral Was The Burial Of The Entire Resistance Axis And The Birth Of A Sovereign Lebanon As mentioned, Hizbullah opponents stated, with more than a little schadenfreude, that Nasrallah's burial spelled the death of Hizbullah and of the entire resistance axis, which sustained heavy blows in the war against Israel, and heralded the birth of Lebanon as a sovereign state. On the day of the funeral, Lebanese journalist Tony Boulos posted on his X account: "Today, a black era in the history of the homeland was buried, an era in which the state was overthrown and dozens of brave patriots were assassinated. A new Lebanon has been born and a new east is dawning." [8] Boulos also addressed this issue in the Saudi daily Independent Arabia, writing: "Nasrallah has been buried, along with the slogans of the conflict with Israel and the amassing of weapons, as well as the double-state [concept] that Hizbullah imposed for decades. All the theories Hizbullah used to justify its weapons, such as the theory about deterrence, the balance of terror and the elimination of Israel, have been refuted and have no place in the present stage. This change spells the end of the era of illegal arms and the start of a new age: the age of Lebanese sovereignty based on a single country that is not ruled by a militia…" [9] An X account called "No to Iranian Occupation" posted: "The era of lies, deceit and insulting people's intelligence is over. Nasrallah is dead and the resistance died with him. Hizbullah is done for. The age of the [Hizbullah] mini-state is over and the age of the [Lebanese] state has begun." [10] Jean Feghali, news editor at the Lebanese LBCI channel, wrote: "[Nasrallah] is dead, and with him died the Iranian plan, [which has been consigned to] the dustbin of history." [11] Cartoon in UAE daily: "The Iranian plan" departs with Nasrallah ( Al-Arab , UAE, February 26, 2025) Despite The Mass Attendance, The Funeral Reflects Hizbullah's Weakness Hizbullah's opponents played down the significance of the vast attendance at the funeral, estimated at 700,000 to 900,000 people. They argued that the numbers do not reflect the state of the organization or the scope of support for it in Lebanon, because most of the participants were from Hizbullah's support base and many senior leaders were absent, including Hizbullah allies. Shi'ite Lebanese journalist Nadim Koteich wrote on the website that "Hizbullah wanted the sendoff for Nasrallah, its historic leader, to be more than a funeral: it wanted it to be a imposed referendum on its legitimacy and on the entire perception of the resistance, in complete disregard of the war, which ended in a painful military and political defeat." However, Koteich said, Hizbullah itself knows that the mass attendance makes no difference to the essence of the crisis it is experiencing. Citing the examples of the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, which collapsed despite their ability to gain the support of the masses, he added: "Hizbullah is naturally entitled to deny the scope of the damage sustained by its political and military infrastructure and to refrain from seeing the funeral on Sunday as a funeral for its plan. [But] the Lebanese people are entitled to believe that [the funeral] was not a declaration of Hizbullah's rebirth, but [just] a fleeting moment of denial and an attempt to put off dealing with the reality: that the age of wars is over and will never return…" [12] Journalist Ali Hamada wrote that the vast attendance at the funeral "was natural, given [Nasrallah's] importance and the role he played in the past three decades, in [both] Lebanon and the region," but noted that only one sector of Lebanese society attended the funeral, namely Shi'ite Hizbullah supporters, while the other sectors – Christians, Druze and Sunnis – "boycotted" it. He stated that their absence expressed "the isolation of [Hizbullah's] path and plan" and "a breach between the vast majority of the Lebanese people… and everything Nasrallah and his organization represent in Lebanon." [13] Some maintained that Hizbullah's weakness is also evident from the circumstances in which the funeral was held: five months after the assassination, during which Israel established its freedom of movement in Lebanon by continuing its attacks in various parts of the country and by making flyovers, even during the funeral itself. Syrian journalist Ibrahim Hamidi, executive editor of the Saudi magazine Al-Majalla, wrote: "Hizbullah and its patron Iran managed to organize a funeral for the organization's official [Nasrallah] and for the entire axis, and to move [Nasrallah] from 'the secret temporary location' to a permanent and public [burial] place, five months after the assassination, and [only] after brokered negotiations and understandings with Israel [allowed the funeral to take place]. True, tens of thousands came to the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in the Hizbullah stronghold of the southern Dahiyeh carrying pictures of Nasrallah and yellow flags. But [during the ceremony] the Israeli planes did not leave the Beirut skies, reminding [everyone] of the understandings [reached regarding the] funeral and the new Lebanese reality. It is therefore clear why Hizbullah's current secretary-general, Na'im Qassem, did not manage to attend the funeral… but addressed the crowd via video from an unknown location." Dismissing Qassem's warning that Hizbullah's "restraint" in the face of the continued Israeli attacks must not be viewed as weakness, Hamidi wrote that the organization's weakness is evident from its inability to impose its candidates for president and prime minister, and from the fact that it agreed to the ceasefire. He added, "There is no doubt that the aim of Iran and Hizbullah in organizing a popular funeral for Nasrallah was to demonstrate how much strength they still maintain after Hizbullah emerged weak from last year's war with Israel, in which most of its commanders and thousands of its fighters were killed… But the fact is that the funeral [only] revealed the diseases that afflict the Iranian axis…" [14] Hizbullah's Weakness Should Be Used To Disarm It And Cement The Rule Of The State Several of Hizbullah's opponents warned that, despite the heavy losses and damage suffered by the organization and the entire resistance axis, they still refuse to acknowledge their defeat and the failure of their path and are working in various ways to restore their standing. They therefore urged the Lebanese leaders to prevent Hizbullah from recovering and to reestablish the sovereignty of the state, inter alia by disarming the organization, preventing it from disseminating its extremist ideology, and even by making the reconstruction of South Lebanon contingent upon the surrender of its weapons. Former Lebanese president Michel Suleiman said after the funeral: "…The time has come to close the book on [Hizbullah's] mini-state within the [Lebanese] state and on the decision to [wage] wars in every direction and in every arena. It's time for the state, and the state alone, to be responsible for sovereignty and for foreign policy, and for weapons to be [only] in the hands of the Lebanese army. It is therefore necessary to disarm the militias that exist outside the legitimate frameworks…" [15] Fadi Karam, an MP for the Lebanese Forces, a Christian party, said: "The funeral was an Iranian message to Lebanon and [elements] outside the country, and the Iranian regime is now playing for time… Hizbullah still refuses to hand its affairs over to the Lebanese state and is trying to survive this difficult period with minimum damage…" Noting that the state is responsible for extending its sovereignty over all its territory, and is solely entitled to negotiate, hold weapons, defend its borders and liberate land, he warned Hizbullah: "If [Hizbullah Secretary-General] Sheikh Na'im Qassem continues to be stubborn and refuse to disarm [his organization] south of the Litani river, he can forget about rebuilding…" [16] Lebanese journalist Tony Boulos called on Lebanon to take advantage of Hizbullah's present weakness to combat its extremist ideology and its indoctrination of children. He wrote on X: "…Lebanon is on the cusp of a new era. We must not leave the children in the grip of this monstrous extremist ideology that leads them to perdition and death and fills them with hate for the other, [causing] a rift in society. It's time to liberate minds from extremism and build a homeland dominated by awareness, openness and peace." Boulos added a cartoon showing a hand emerging from Hizbullah's grave and grabbing a child by means of the organization's "program for the young jihad fighter." [17] Hizbullah Activists Must Be Prosecuted For Their Crimes In addition to the demand to disarm Hizbullah, some also called on the organization to apologize for its crimes against the Lebanese people, and called on the authorities to stop overlooking these crimes and put Hizbullah activists on trial. Lebanese journalist Maryam Sayf Al-Din wrote that Hizbullah has kept the state from doing this and that, in every police station in the country there are Hizbullah representatives who prevent its operatives from being investigated. "It's impossible," she added, "to speak about extending the state's sovereignty over all its territory as long as this continues and there is no persistent effort to free the security forces from Hizbullah's control. It is impossible to enact the sovereignty of the state without ending the immunity granted to Hizbullah's operatives… Everybody must be subject to the law, as President Joseph Aoun said. Lifting this immunity will remove a barrier that has been placed between the state and a large sector of Lebanese citizens who refrained from turning to the state for judicial services [because] they were under Hizbullah's control." [18] Lebanese journalist Mustafa Al-Awik urged Hizbullah "to announce directly and officially that it accepts the authority of the Lebanese state and its constitution, hand its illegitimate weapons over to the Lebanese army and surrender all its members who were involved in crimes inside Lebanon, so they can be put on trial. Hizbullah," he added, "must reexamine its conduct against Lebanon, understand where it erred and caused damage, and apologize to all the Lebanese for its actions against them, otherwise there will be no coexistence with it and we will repeat the mistakes made after the civil war… [With Nasrallah's funeral], Hizbullah buried a major part of its history, in which it was master [of Lebanon], and entered a new era, in which it is equal to all [other] Lebanese and engages in party politics without the force of weapons and without [all sorts of] enticing plans, imaginary legends, fictitious programs and cover-ups of corruption…" [19] [1] February 16, 2025. [2] February 23, 2025. [3] February 23, 2025. [4] Al-Akhbar (Lebanon), February 25, 2025. [5] This estimate was provided by Information International, a Beirut-based research and consultancy firm (Monthlymagazine, February 24, 2025). [6] February 24, 2025. [7] Al-Liwaa (Lebanon), February 26, 2025. [8] February 23, 2025. [9] February 25, 2025. [10] February 23, 2025. [11] February 23, 2025. [12] February 24, 2025. [13] Al-Nahar (Lebanon), February 24, 2025. [14] February 24, 2025. [15] Al-Liwaa (Lebanon), February 24, 2025. [16] Nidaa Al-Watan (Lebanon), February 25, 2025. [17] February 28, 2025. [18] Nidaa Al-Watan (Lebanon), February 22, 2025. [19] Nidaa Al-Watan (Lebanon), February 23, 2025.
