Hezbollah Shatters Faulty Assumptions
Translated by Al-Ahed News, Al-Akhbar Newspaper
Recent remarks made by Hezbollah Secretary General His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem regarding the Resistance’s weapons and its place in Lebanon’s national defense strategy have been described by some as “escalatory” or as “raising the stakes.” However, such descriptions are inaccurate. Sheikh Qassem’s comments instead reflect the steadfastness of Hezbollah’s vision and its commitment to defending Lebanon’s future from external and "Zionist" threats. They represent the Resistance’s actual and realistic maximum position.
In light of the ongoing political and media campaigns—and the growing pressure on the resistance and its support base—it became essential to clearly articulate this position, especially now, for political, strategic, symbolic, and popular reasons. It is not unlikely that the US, the "Israeli" enemy and their regional allies are shaping their calculations based on flawed assessments—an error they have made repeatedly when confronting the resistance or navigating other regional situations.
These campaigns have also affected some of Hezbollah’s surroundings, including certain allies, leading to misperceptions about the resistance’s position and its future role in Lebanon’s internal dynamics. This made it necessary for Hezbollah to publicly and explicitly reaffirm its stance.
Sheikh Qassem’s message swiftly shattered several preconceived notions held by local, regional, and international decision-making circles. It underscored that the pressure applied thus far has failed to produce the desired outcomes for "Israel" and the United States. Moreover, Hezbollah has resolved any internal contradictions within those circles—something that frequently occurs—and put an end to speculation.
Importantly, Sheikh Qassem handled the issue with logical clarity, avoiding rigidity. He articulated the continued necessity of the Resistance in Lebanon, highlighting its past achievements in countering occupation. He presented it as a force that, together with the Lebanese Army, contributes to safeguarding the country and deterring threats. He also reaffirmed Hezbollah’s willingness to engage in dialogue, as long as such dialogue is grounded in the goal of protecting Lebanon from "Israeli" threats.
One of the most important takeaways from Sheikh Qassem’s speech is his reversal of the prevailing political and military narrative. According to conventional thinking, "Israeli" aggression and occupation would only cease once the resistance is defeated and disarmed—thus fulfilling "Israeli" objectives. Sheikh Qassem, however, offered a counter-narrative: as long as aggression continues, detainees remain captive, and occupation persists, the Resistance’s role within Lebanon’s defense strategy cannot even begin to be defined.
This reframing suggests that Hezbollah now sees escalation as the only remaining path available to Tel Aviv and Washington—rendering continued pressure ineffective. It also establishes clear red lines that the resistance will not allow to be crossed—lines drawn from existential and strategic considerations tied to Lebanon’s fate and future.
At the same time, Hezbollah’s firm stance on its role in the national equation highlights the shortcomings of the Lebanese state. Under pressure from the United States and "Israel" on multiple fronts, the state appears either unable or unwilling to leverage the Resistance as a national asset. With its clear and assertive position, Hezbollah has imposed a new equation—one that could help the Lebanese government assert sovereignty, strengthen Lebanon’s posture and shield it from the region’s shifting dynamics—provided the government finds the political will to do so. This position could also lead to more informed assessments in Western capitals, particularly in Washington.
