Sheikh Qassem’s Full Speech on Priorities of Lebanon’s Revival and Municipal Elections
Translated by Al-Ahed News, Hezbollah Media Relations
The full speech of Hezbollah Secretary General His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem in which he tackles the priorities of Lebanon’s revival and the municipal elections on Monday, April 28, 2025.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. May prayers and salutations be upon the most deserving of creatures, our Master and beloved leader, Abu al-Qasim Muhammad, upon his pure and noble family, upon his chosen and pious companions, and upon all the prophets and righteous until the Day of Judgment.
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.
Today, we convened this meeting to discuss the municipal and optional [local council] elections in the context of development and in fulfillment of the ongoing cooperation between Hezbollah and the Amal Movement. However, I found it necessary to first lay a certain political foundation that would help ensure the elections are properly held and allow us to leverage them in the broader effort to build the state.
So, I will speak on two topics:
- The priorities for Lebanon’s revival, and
- The municipal elections.
- The Priorities:
What are the priorities that must be fulfilled for Lebanon to rise, to achieve stability, progress, development, and to address the issues we’ve suffered from in the past? What will help meet people’s needs?
We have three key priorities that the state, the people, and all actors must focus on. These priorities are essential for Lebanon’s stability, revival, and growth.
First Priority: Stopping “Israeli” Aggression and Securing Withdrawal and Prisoner Release
The first and foremost priority is to stop “Israeli” aggression, secure the withdrawal of “Israeli” forces from southern Lebanon, and ensure the release of prisoners. No other priority can take precedence over this—it is fundamental.
Why is this so important? Because if the country is subjected daily to “Israeli” attacks in various regions, and if “Israel” continues to occupy the south, how can we build a nation while these pressures persist day and night? What excuse or justification remains?
An agreement was reached and began implementation on November 26, 2024 between the Lebanese state and the “Israeli” entity—albeit indirectly. This agreement is known as a ceasefire. It’s been in place for five months.
Hezbollah—as an Islamic Resistance and as part of a broader resistance—has fully committed to all the terms of the ceasefire. We enabled the Lebanese state to deploy the army in the area south of the Litani River, which is the focus of the agreement. Over these five months, we have upheld the agreement with zero violations—no breaches, no oversteps. The entire world bears witness to this.
The world attests that Lebanon complied. The Resistance complied. Not a single violation came from our side. But “Israel” has committed over 3,000 violations. I swear, this is an intolerable number. Usually, people talk about a breach here or there—two, ten—but three thousand! Even France recently acknowledged and criticized this. Naturally, the “Israelis” were enraged at France’s statement. Meanwhile, the United States is fully complicit—covering for “Israel”, offering justifications, and enabling its ongoing aggression to achieve its strategic goals.
How do we confront these violations and this continuous aggression?
We have handed over the responsibility to the Lebanese state—to be the primary negotiator and the guardian of national protection. The army is deployed under the state’s authority to carry out its duties in the south and across Lebanon.
We believe it is the state’s responsibility to exert pressure on the two sponsoring countries—the United States and France—as well as on the United Nations, the Security Council, and the UNIFIL peacekeeping forces. However, the pressure the state has applied so far has been weak and limited—no more than statements and minor actions. That is not acceptable.
We call on the Lebanese state to move more actively, daily and effectively. Summon the ambassadors of the five permanent UN Security Council members. File complaints to the Security Council. Continually summon the US ambassador, who is clearly biased in favor of “Israel” and not acting appropriately. The United States is not playing the role of a neutral sponsor; it is a partner in “Israeli” aggression. Engage in much broader and more forceful diplomatic efforts.
I’m not here to lay out a full action plan, but the Lebanese government should begin every cabinet session by discussing the violations, the assaults, the crimes being committed, the breaches of the ceasefire, and “Israel’s” failure to honor the agreement. Five months have passed without compliance. We must be more engaged, and the state must ramp up the pressure.
Yesterday, there was an attack on the southern suburb of Beirut. This attack had absolutely no justification—not even a flimsy excuse. It was a political move, aimed at changing the rules of engagement or enforcing new ones. The goal is to pressure Lebanon and its Resistance in hopes of achieving certain objectives.
What’s notable about this attack is that it happened with American approval. “Israel” said it informed the US, and of course, the US didn’t object—because it’s part of their broader political aim to change the dynamics, impose new terms, and increase pressure. That’s a serious and dangerous development.
On top of that, civilians are being killed—in their villages, at work, on their farms, in their homes, in their cars. Houses are being destroyed, both finished and under construction. Land is being bulldozed. The violations are countless. This is a serious situation. Raise your voices! Speak out loudly! You’re not saying enough. You’re not doing enough.
Yes, the positions of the President and Prime Minister yesterday were good, and we know the President is highly engaged and working hard. But what’s really needed now is for the government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all responsible parties to raise their voices, to speak out, and to ramp up their diplomatic efforts. There should be action every single day. Pressure the US. Make them understand that Lebanon can’t recover unless this aggression stops. And know this: America is only looking out for its own interests—it’s not acting for Lebanon’s sake. It’s Lebanon they want something from. Make it clear to them that their interests won’t be served this way. Stability is what protects everyone’s interests—stability benefits Lebanon and others too.
The state has a duty to respond. It got everything it needed from the agreement in order to implement it. Now its priority must be to establish security, achieve liberation, and provide its people with reassurance and stability.
Let me make something very clear. Some people seem to think the state can just keep asking for more without offering anything in return. What more does the state want? It says it wants to implement the agreement, and it wants the army deployed south of the Litani River. That’s already been done. The Resistance has fully complied. Nothing else should be up for discussion until “Israel” meets its obligations—until it withdraws, stops its aggression, and releases the prisoners. You can’t keep demanding more from us.
I want to say to some in the government: You have rights, yes. You have the right to assert sovereignty and to take responsibility for your people. But you also have the duty to protect them. You can’t take all the authority and give nothing back. If you’re feeling weak right now, then strengthen yourselves. Take more initiative. Engage other countries. Cooperate with Lebanese political forces. Emphasize that this issue is central.
What we’re seeing instead is that when an international envoy shows up, some Lebanese officials are quick to say, ‘Yes, we’re committed to Resolution 1701. We’re ready to restrict weapons. We’re ready to go all the way.’ Why are you volunteering all these details? You’ve already met your side of the agreement. The other side hasn’t. Wait—let them act first! Why do you keep trying to please them? Tell them what they don’t want to hear. Make them understand that Lebanon can’t be run like this. No matter what they do, Lebanon won’t be dragged into the chaos they’re trying to create.
Political parties also have a responsibility. Where are your voices? Where are your statements? Your meetings? Your conferences to confront “Israel”? Some political parties haven’t said a word against “Israel” in five months—but they’ve been active against us, against the Resistance, against Lebanon’s future. They stir up strife and are willing to sacrifice everything, even if it helps the “Israeli” enemy. That’s unacceptable. We need to wake up. We’re at a turning point, and we need to act wisely.
Now, let’s talk about “Israel’s” real goals. Enough about so-called pretexts. We’re past that. If a chicken crossed the border, “Israel” would claim it’s a threat. Do they even need excuses? No. Their goals are clear. It seems some people still don’t get it. “Israel” wants control over Lebanon. It wants to build settlements here. It wants to force refugee resettlement here. It wants to weaken Lebanon so much that it can’t even say ‘no’ to “Israeli” plans. And the US wants the same. That’s the project.
If you don’t believe this, then tell me—why did “Israel” stay in Lebanon for 18 years after 1982 and only left because of the Resistance? Why did it occupy 600 km of Syria with no pushback? Why does it constantly carry out attacks without valid reasons? They just claim there’s a storage site, a party office, or some facility. These are not real justifications. There’s an agreement in place, and it has to be honored. “Israel” has obligations it needs to meet during this phase.
And I want Lebanese officials to think—do you really think Netanyahu today is the same as he was a year and seven months ago when this war began? He’s in trouble. He’s being hit from all sides at home. He’s lost his grip. He’s failed to meet his goals. He’s slaughtering people in Gaza but achieving nothing. Some of you might have seen the video of Netanyahu’s housekeeper saying he doesn’t even know how to eat or live—he’s constantly anxious, on the edge of a breakdown. He’s doing all this killing and destruction, and still, he’s getting nowhere. How much longer can he last? Eventually, he’s going to hit a wall.
And yet some Lebanese voices say: ‘Let’s back down. Let’s make compromises. Let’s avoid provoking him.’ No! When things were at their worst, we stood firm and held him back. They brought in brigades and divisions—75,000 troops at the border—and they still couldn’t advance. That’s why they had to accept a ceasefire. And now, after all that, you want to offer concessions? No. We have nothing left to give. Don’t ask us for anything because every demand is a step toward weakening Lebanon. Every request is a concession to “Israel”. Every suggestion is about giving up our strength—and we won’t do it. Lebanon’s strength, the army’s strength, the state’s strength—we’re holding on to it. What’s wrong with you? Stand up. Lift your heads. We’ve got young people, we’ve got women, we’ve got a capable people and plenty of resources. Why are you so passive? What’s weakening you? Are you afraid of the Americans? They back down when they see people standing strong. Stop trying to sell us on ideas of surrendering to the “Israeli” enemy. Know this: Lebanon must be strong, and it will stay strong—through its Resistance, its army, and its people.
No one should try to weaken our strength. That era is over. We’re not going back 40 years. We’re not going back to a time when “Israel” and America called all the shots. Like it or not, America will eventually have to deal with us on our terms—when it sees that we’re steady and unshaken.
God Almighty says in the Holy Quran: {Indeed, messengers before you were rejected but patiently endured rejection and persecution until Our help came to them. And Allah’s promise ‘to help’ is never broken. And you have already received some of the narratives of these messengers.} [Surah Al-An’am 6:34]
Yes, this is a time of patience and hardship. But, God willing, the outcome will be ours. We have a people like no other—honorable, great, pure. I see some interviews with mothers and wives on TV, and I swear, when you see them, you think: Who can defeat people like this? They could defeat the strongest armies in the world. Because in their hearts, in their blood, in their minds, in their lives—even in the unborn children in the wombs—there is a real power, full of dignity and purpose, aimed at liberation, at defending the land and honor, and done in devotion to God. This is a people that cannot be defeated—and they will always win.
To the Lebanese state, I say: Stand up strong. Move in the right direction. Stop giving in just to gain their approval—they will never be pleased with you. If you want to build the country, they won’t let you. But if you work with all sides based on strength and dignity, then, God willing, we can begin a real national revival.
Second Priority: Reconstruction
The second priority is reconstruction. The government has delayed reconstruction for far too long, even though it’s clearly its responsibility. In its ministerial statement, the government said reconstruction was a priority. And in any country, the state is responsible for its citizens. People across different regions in Lebanon were attacked by “Israel”—they have a right to expect the Lebanese state to rebuild this country.
So I ask: why hasn’t the reconstruction process started yet? Some say it’s because foreign actors have conditions before they agree to support reconstruction. But why should we wait on outsiders? Tell me—what has the Lebanese government done about this issue so far? Can’t the government form committees for reconstruction? Can’t it appoint teams to prepare the necessary studies? Can’t it at least put the issue on the agenda and say, “Here is our plan”?
Start the process. Present your plan. There will be internal support and possibly external support. At the very least, get the ball rolling so we know where things are heading. People deserve to understand when the state will act, what it’s capable of doing, and when it will engage with other parties for support.
Reconstruction must begin. It’s a basic condition for implementing the agreement. There’s no real agreement without reconstruction. Look at every war around the world—whenever an agreement is reached, reconstruction is always part of the process. So as we confront “Israel” today, there must be a plan for rebuilding.
Let me be clear: failing to rebuild means impoverishing people. It means discrimination in citizenship. It means you’re targeting a key segment of the country. It means you’re obstructing economic recovery and social development. Enough. Put reconstruction on the agenda and make it a real priority.
As for Hezbollah, what we’ve done in place of the state—relieving it of its responsibility—no other movement or resistance group in the world has done. So far, we’ve provided housing for 50,755 people whose homes were completely destroyed. We’ve repaired homes for 332,000 people. That’s nearly 350,000 people who’ve either returned to their homes or been temporarily housed—and this was all the state’s responsibility.
We did it with great personal sacrifice. Of course, we must thank the Islamic Republic of Iran and His Eminence Imam Khamenei, who supported us, and we must thank the Iranian people for their love, solidarity, and assistance in this matter.
They ask: “What is Iran doing?” I ask: what are the others doing? What are they afraid of? Why don’t they come and help with the reconstruction and rebuilding? Don’t wrong these people. If anyone thinks they can run this country and rise through the ranks while crushing this group and denying them the right to return to their homes—that simply will not work. This country can only be stable if it includes all its people. This country will only rise if we work together. We’re extending our hand, and we ask you to work with us. As Lebanese, we must join hands and cooperate if we want to reach the outcome we all desire.
Third Priority: Building the State
The third priority is state-building. We support building the state. In fact, if you look at our entire history—our actions, our activities over the years—you’ll see that we’ve always stood for building the state. And we still do. Even in the midst of war, we’ve shown that we are committed to state-building.
We participated in the election of a president—General Joseph Aoun—through an agreement between us and the Amal Movement, and in coordination with other Lebanese factions, in order to get the country moving forward. That in itself is an achievement and shows that we support state-building.
We helped form the government and gave it our vote of confidence. We support every project that moves the country forward. Yes, we believe that building the state requires legislation, and we’re ready to participate in passing laws. It requires administrative appointments—we agree and are ready to take part in those as well. It also requires returning depositors’ funds—and that must happen. There need to be reforms in the banking sector and in many areas of the economy—we’re also committed to participating in that. There must be an economic and social plan that can help Lebanon rise again, and we are part of that effort.
If you look at our entire track record, you’ll see it’s one of support for building the state. We believe that building the state is essential—and it must be built.
So, we now have three main priorities that must move forward together:
- Stopping all forms of “Israeli” aggression, ensuring their withdrawal, and securing the release of the prisoners.
- Working diligently on reconstruction.
- Building the state.
These three priorities rest on solid foundations. We shouldn’t distract the people with petty arguments or pointless debates. And I say to you: ignore the voices of sedition—they’re powerless, and they won’t be able to achieve anything.
Those trying to stir conflict between the Resistance and the army have no chance. Those who are now trying to reappear as if they want to “build the state”—we know their history, their crimes, and their past actions. Some people never change. But they should know this: we will not allow sedition to take hold.
We must support the President in his efforts to implement reforms, end the “Israeli” occupation, and push forward reconstruction. We must also support the Lebanese government in doing so.
As for UN Resolution 1701, its full implementation—especially after the ceasefire—is a two-way street. It doesn’t apply to us alone; “Israel” must also fulfill its obligations. Be patient. Don’t rush. That’s how we can hold others accountable. Step by step—we won’t let them take everything from us while giving nothing in return.
2- The Municipal Elections:
The second main topic is the municipal and local elections. From our perspective in Hezbollah, municipal and local elections are not about holding a position or making gains—they are about responsibility and service.
Anyone running for municipal or local office must have a mindset rooted in serving the people and providing a valuable experience. There are clear goals behind participating in these elections:
- Serving our underprivileged communities, protecting their interests, developing their regions, reducing deprivation, and helping them rise through whatever means are available.
We were raised to believe that serving people is a fundamental value. The Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] said: “Creation is the family of God, so the most beloved to God is the one who benefits His family and brings joy to a household.”
This is the school we come from—not the one where people offer services before elections just to gain a seat or position. No. Service is something we offer during and outside election time. It’s part of our upbringing.
- We must work on reforming and modernizing the management of municipalities and their associated service and development agencies.
- We aim to present a leading model of administration that showcases efficiency, integrity, and credibility.
We’ve already taken steps in this direction in the past, and we will continue to do so. Municipal work directly affects people’s daily lives, and it’s a vital issue.
So, what general policies should guide our approach? We must focus on unity within villages and towns, fostering understanding, harmony, and cooperation. Everyone should feel cared for, like family.
Some people say, “Why are you forming understanding? Let there be free competition.” But we don’t want to divide people or turn them against each other. If we can form coalitions that bring together families, skilled individuals, and influential political groups, we’ll end up with a balanced, cooperative municipal council that can actually function well.
We’ve formed an alliance with the Amal Movement to jointly manage the electoral process. First, because both of us enjoy strong popular support. Second, because we can help move things from conflict and tension toward unity and agreement—we can mediate and support reconciliation.
Yes, there are candidates from Hezbollah and Amal running, and they’ll become municipal and local council members. But there are others who aren’t affiliated with either group—they’re still from this community. Even Hezbollah and Amal candidates are part of these families, part of this environment. If we can also work with family representatives, that’s a good thing.
We want to expand participation to ensure broad representation—families, clans, social groups, and existing political forces. What’s stopping us, as long as we avoid conflict? Our spirit should be one of collective social cooperation—we want everyone involved in the development of their town or village.
Of course, anyone who runs for office must be accepted by the people. If someone lacks popular support, you can’t impose them—and we won’t accept that. We must bring in candidates who are competent, honest, and able to work well with others—both within the council and politically. Municipal councils aren’t arenas for political vendettas or squabbles, nor are they there to waste public funds. No—they are for those who care about the public good and want to work together toward it.
Look at the wise advice from Imam Ali [AS] to Malik al-Ashtar:
“Let your attention to the cultivation of the land be greater than your concern with collecting taxes. For tax revenue is not obtained except through development. Anyone who demands revenue without development ruins the country and destroys the people, and his rule won’t last.”
In other words, if all you care about is taxes, you’ll destroy everything. You have to build, invest, give, and serve.
“If they complain of hardship, disease, a disrupted water supply, flooded or scorched land—ease their burdens in a way that helps restore their wellbeing.”
That’s the spirit we need in municipal work: cooperation, service and caring for people.
So I call on all our brothers, sisters, loved ones, residents of our towns and cities—in fact, on all Lebanese citizens—to approach these elections with that spirit and those public policies in mind. We want candidates who are self-made, trustworthy, and have integrity—people who don’t reach out for what isn’t theirs and who are genuinely motivated by service.
I urge you all to turn out in large numbers for the municipal and local elections. Anyone who wants to help rebuild their town should come together with their community, pledge to one another to pursue development and social work.
We should not retreat or fall back. God willing, the results will be positive. This is how we take part in managing our country—through the municipal elections, by shouldering our responsibilities, and accepting accountability for our work.
I would like to take this opportunity to share four brief remarks:
First, I offer my condolences to the Christian world on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. God willing, his good deeds and positive ideas, inspired by the Bible and by Jesus (peace be upon him), will have a lasting impact on the future and on the world at large.
I also extend my condolences to Islamic Iran — the Islamic Republic of Iran — to His Eminence the Leader, Imam Khamenei, to the President, the government, and the Iranian people on the tragic loss of so many lives in Bandar Abbas at the Shahid Rajaei Port. God willing, this tragedy will pass without deeper consequences. May it serve as protection from even greater afflictions, and may these trials be counted as a source of divine reward, through patience and unwavering perseverance.
Second, I want to speak to the people of Gaza: you are enduring, and you are sacrificing. Sadly, this is a world ruled by tyranny and injustice — a criminal world, particularly the Western powers, the United States, and “Israel” — those who stand on the other side. But thanks be to God, your legendary resilience, God willing, will prevent “Israel” from achieving its goals. Ultimately, your steadfastness itself is a prelude to certain victory.
Third, I once again salute Yemen — the great Yemen, its leadership and its people, and all the forces there confronting the American, “Israeli”, and British enemies — not for any self-interest, but simply because they wish to stand with Palestine and Al-Quds. That alone is an honor you hold above the rest of the world.
Finally, I pray to Allah Almighty for victory and success, and for deliverance from these crises.
Peace and Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon you.
