Sheikh Qassem: The US Sponsors Wars, Protects the Enemy and Seeks to Subjugate the Region
By Fatima Haydar, Live Coverage
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary Resistance and Liberation Day, Hezbollah Secretary General His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem delivered a powerful address reflecting on the historic struggle the sacrifices made, and the enduring principles that have guided the path of the Resistance.
“The birth of the Resistance was a natural outcome for a proud people who reject humiliation, occupation and submission to the ‘Israeli’ enemy,” Sheikh qassem affirmed, stressing the organic emergence of the Resistance from the nation’s core values and collective dignity.
Tracing the roots of the movement, he recalled, “The Resistance began to grow in the 1960s and 1970s, and Imam Sayyed Musa al-Sadr emerged as the Imam of the Resistance through founding the Movement of the Deprived.” His Eminence underscored Imam al-Sadr’s pivotal role as a pioneer who laid the intellectual and organizational foundation for confronting injustice.
Turning to the “Israeli” occupation, the Hezbollah Chief noted: “In 1978, UN Resolution 425 called on ‘Israel’ to withdraw from Lebanese territories, but ‘Israel’ created what was then called the ‘Free Lebanon State’ under the leadership of Major Saad. This was an initial step to annex parts of Lebanon and establish settlements.” This maneuver, he explained, was a calculated attempt to legitimize occupation and redefine Lebanon’s borders.
His Eminence reminded the audience of the infamous May 17 Agreement. “After the 1982 invasion, ‘Israel’ remained and attempted to impose the humiliating May 17 Agreement in 1983, but true Resistance — popular, religious and national — in cooperation with Syria, succeeded in blocking the deal.” He celebrated the unified stand that thwarted external domination.
Continuing his historical overview, the Resistance leader stated, “Under the strikes of the Resistance, ‘Israel’ withdrew in 1985 to what was then called the occupied border strip, which amounted to 11% of Lebanon's territory. From 1985 until 2000, this strip remained under ‘Israeli’ occupation, and the main theme of confrontation was the Resistance.” These two decades, he emphasized, were marked by persistence and sacrifice.
Reiterating the necessity of continued struggle, His Eminence added, “Since 1978 and UN Resolution 425, ‘Israel’ had not withdrawn, which made it necessary to continue resistance operations and endure sacrifices. During that period, real fighting took place against both the ‘Israelis’ and their collaborators. The Resistance moved everywhere with genuine determination and a true will to confront this enemy.”
Sheikh Qassem pointed out a significant shift in enemy calculations by the late 1990s: “Starting in 1999, prime ministers in the entity began competing over who would withdraw from Lebanon. They attempted to reach an agreement with Lebanon but failed, and they also tried through Syria but did not succeed.” These attempts, he explained, reflected “Israel’s” inability to impose its terms.
Highlighting the moment of triumph, the Hezbollah SG declared: “The ‘Israelis’ left earlier than expected, and we declared May 25, 2000, as the Resistance and Liberation Day. The enemy withdrew at night without informing its collaborators that it was leaving.” This stealthy retreat, he said, was a mark of defeat.
“May 25, 2000, was a monumental victory for the Resistance and the sacrificing people who managed to break ‘Israel’ by forcing its unconditional withdrawal from South Lebanon,” His Eminence proclaimed. He emphasized that this victory was achieved without vengeance: “After the withdrawal, not a single slap was delivered. Collaborators who were arrested were handed to the state for trial. Those who had no guilt were reassured, and those who fled were left alone. No sectarian conflict occurred in the liberated areas.”
Reflecting on the aftermath, he noted, “After the 2000 withdrawal, South Lebanon remained without international forces for a year. When nothing could be imposed, international troops were later deployed.” This, he suggested, reflected the strength and discipline of the local population and the Resistance.
Acknowledging the foundations of liberation, the Resistance leader stated: “Credit for the liberation goes first to God, then to Imam Musa al-Sadr and resistance leaders Sheikh Ragheb Harb, Sayyed Abbas al-Mousawi and Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.” He also expressed appreciation for political figures: “Thanks to the resistant President Emile Lahoud and former PM Salim Hoss for their support and facilitation of the Resistance.”
Emphasizing the unshakable national unity, His Eminence declared: “I must thank the Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Helou and affirm to him that we will remain united through the army, people and Resistance to build the future.”
On the essence of resistance, the Hezbollah Chief emphasized, “The Resistance emerged out of necessity—Lebanon could not remain passive in the face of the enemy.” He affirmed, “Resistance moved Lebanon from weakness to strength, ending ‘Israel’s’ expansionist ambitions and halting its attempts to annex parts of Lebanon.”
“The Resistance is ongoing—it's a choice, a people and a will,” he asserted, adding, “Resistance is the people’s choice and that of the believers. It endures—whether you like it or not—through martyrs, prisoners, wounded, families and even children longing to defend the homeland.” He continued, “Resistance is defensive—it's a rejection of occupation, a refusal to surrender. Sometimes it fights and deters, sometimes it endures and holds ground and sometimes it waits, but it’s always ready.”
Despite violations, the Resistance remains steadfast: “We and the state fully committed to the indirect ceasefire agreement, while ‘Israel’ has committed over 3,300 violations. Yet, we continue to endure this aggression.” Still, he warned, “If the state fails in its role, other options remain on the table.”
“The war is not over,” the Resistance leader stated. “Salute to those still giving. ‘Israel’s’ use of force only strengthens our resolve.” Addressing international dynamics, he added, “America oversteps Lebanon’s sovereignty. Its pressure on officials will not fulfill ‘Israel’s’ demands. What wasn’t achieved by war won’t be achieved through pressure. We are not to be threatened.”
With a firm tone, he asserted: “We have two paths—victory or martyrdom. Surrender is not an option.” He concluded on an unwavering note: “No one can uproot Lebanon or the Resistance. The blood of our martyrs is intertwined with Lebanon’s identity.”
Directing a message to the US President, His Eminence advised, “I advise President Trump to seize the opportunity and free himself from the burden of ‘Israel’.” He further warned, “Continued aggression in the region obstructs regional stability; aggression in Lebanon obstructs Lebanese stability.”
Shifting focus to rebuilding, the Hezbollah SG stressed: “Reconstruction is the foundation of stability. Citizens’ safety depends on rebuilding. The Lebanese government must act swiftly.”
He noted international support: “Iraq, with all its leaders and religious authorities, stands in solidarity with Lebanon and Palestine and wants to contribute to reconstruction. The Lebanese state must take the lead.”
He added, “Iran—its people and Leader Khamenei—support Lebanon and Gaza, but the Lebanese government must initiate reconstruction.”
Encouraging national mobilization, His Eminence noted, “Other countries also reached out regarding reconstruction, but the Lebanese government must rally itself.”
Despite aggression, democratic processes remained intact: “Despite aggression across Lebanon and in the border areas, we insisted on holding municipal and local elections on time to strengthen the state.”
Saluting the resilience of the South, he stated, “I salute the people of the South for their proud stance and readiness to be at the forefront of liberating the country.”
Acknowledging civic participation, His Eminence expressed, “Thanks for the active participation, especially Hezbollah and Amal supporters under the banner of development and loyalty—even those who ran opposing lists contributed to the success of this electoral event.” He added, “Thanks to all for the electoral victories and consensus achieved in municipal and local elections.”
Reaffirming national cohesion, the Resistance leader stated: “We were a national safeguard in these elections. In Beirut, we prioritized balance so Christians wouldn’t feel targeted, and all would work together in one municipality—as we did in Haret Hreik with a Christian mayor and Christian members.”
He concluded with emphasis on the enduring alliance: “We entered the elections with a national spirit and open hand. Hezbollah and Amal proved to be a social and national safety valve.”
Noting regional discomfort, Sheikh Qassem said, “The electoral alliance between Hezbollah and Amal is strategic—centered on resistance and political vision. Some are disturbed by it, especially the ‘Israeli’ enemy.”
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