Sheikh Naim Qassem: The Resistance’s Weapons are the Foundation of Lebanon’s Defense
Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem affirmed that the resistance is the product and fruit of the movement of all honorable, patriotic resistance fighters and liberation efforts, and the result of their collective efforts and the significant role of Imam Sayyid Musa al-Sadr. He stated that victory was a result of the solidarity between the army, the people, and the resistance. There was harmony between the state and the resistance, which constituted a crucial and influential factor in achieving liberation. He emphasized that disarming the resistance would dismantle Lebanon’s defensive capabilities, paving the way for its annihilation.
In a speech broadcast on Al-Manar TV this afternoon, Sunday, on the occasion of the Resistance and Liberation Day, which he began by congratulating Muslims on the approaching Eid al-Adha, Sheikh Qassem stressed that this occasion is a celebration for free people throughout the world and a celebration for Palestine. He recalled the roles of President Emile Lahoud and Speaker Nabih Berri, who were the guardians of liberation.
His Eminence pointed out that 15 years of occupation, during which the so-called “South Lebanon Army” was established, were intended by the enemy to achieve its ambitions in Lebanon. However, the resistance’s strikes forced the enemy to withdraw from the border region in 2000.
Sheikh Qassem also addressed the humiliating “May 17 Agreement” (1983), noting that it was never implemented and was ultimately nullified in 1984. This marked a step towards the liberation achieved in 2000.
He stated that on November 24, 2024, the Lebanese state reached an indirect agreement that was supposed to end the occupation and halt the attacks. However, during the 15 months following the agreement, Israeli attacks continued, and the Lebanese state was unable to enforce its implementation.
Sheikh Qassem continued, saying, “We understand the weakness of the Lebanese state, but let them tell the Americans that it is powerless,” indicating the successive concessions made by the Lebanese state until it reached the point of criminalizing the resistance on March 2, 2026.
He explained, “We are not asking the state to confront the American-Israeli project, but the Lebanese state must not stand against its own people.” He pointed out that Israel’s project is one of eliminating the resistance and gradually occupying Lebanon as part of this larger scheme. He called on the Lebanese government to reverse its decision to restrict weapons to the state and instead stand with its people.