Sheikh Qassem: The Resistance’s Priority is to Defend Lebanon and Liberate Palestine

By Al-Ahed News, Eqtidar Magazine

In an interview with the electronic magazine Eqtidar, Hezbollah Secretary General His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem shed light on the pivotal themes guiding the Resistance’s actions and the deep-rooted principles that define the organization's work.

Sheikh Qassem began by recalling the unparalleled trust that the late Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah had in the Resistance's supporters.

"Sayyed Nasrallah always had faith in the loyalty and readiness of the Resistance's supporters to make sacrifices," he said.

This trust extended not only to their dedication to the cause but also to their welfare. He emphasized that Sayyed Nasrallah paid attention to the community’s everyday needs, focusing on sectors like education, health, agriculture and services.

“He was a kind-hearted man, loving the people and reciprocating their affection,” Sheikh Qassem noted.

The centrality of Palestine in the late Sayyed Nasrallah's vision was also a key topic. For him, the Palestinian Cause was not only a religious duty but also a political necessity for the protection of Lebanon and the region from the threat of "Israeli" expansion.

"Palestine was a priority for him, grounded in both religious duty and the political responsibility to shield Lebanon from the danger of the 'Israeli' entity," said Sheikh Qassem.

His belief in the ultimate demise of "Israel" was unshakable, rooted in a steadfast conviction that "the 'Israeli' entity is doomed to disappear."

When asked about the broader context of the Resistance's operations, Sheikh Qassem explained how the movement’s commitment to fighting "Israel" was the fundamental pillar upon which Hezbollah's entire existence and internal policies were built.

"The resistance to 'Israel' is a foundational and primary principle for Hezbollah. It supersedes all other concerns and defines our political positions and internal strategies," the Resistance Chief stated.

On the subject of Hezbollah’s military capabilities, Sheikh Qassem clarified that the Resistance’s weapons were never intended for use within Lebanon but were specifically directed against the "Israeli" enemy.

“The Resistance’s weapons are solely for the defense of Lebanon and the liberation of Palestine, and are never used for internal conflicts,” His Eminence confirmed.

Lastly, Sheikh Qassem emphasized the importance of periodic reflection within Hezbollah. "Evaluating our path is an essential duty, not only as a tribute to our martyrs but also to identify areas of weakness and rectify our course," he explained.

According to the Hezbollah leader, a commitment to the principles of the Resistance is paramount, while adapting tools and strategies based on lessons learned from past experiences is crucial for maintaining momentum in the face of challenges.

This interview offered a rare glimpse into the deep-rooted philosophy and operational focus of Hezbollah, underscoring the continued relevance of the Resistance’s unyielding commitment to the Palestinian Cause and to the defense of Lebanon and its people.

Eqtidar is a bi-monthly electronic magazine dedicated to exploring the thoughts and ideas of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the martyr of the nation. It delves into His Eminence’s doctrinal, ethical and political ideas, which have shaped the theoretical and revolutionary framework of Islamic Resistance. The magazine aims to highlight the intellectual foundations of the Resistance Axis, addressing cultural activists and the broader public.