Sheikh Qassem: No Concessions—We Will Not Surrender Lebanon’s Strength to ’Israel’ & US

By Fatima Haydar

In a televised address on Monday, April 28, Hezbollah Secretary General His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem discussed the priorities of Lebanon’s revival and the upcoming municipal elections.

Throughout his speech, Sheikh Qassem shed light on the internal and external challenges facing Lebanon, underlining the importance of Resistance, reconstruction, political steadfastness and national unity.

To begin, His Eminence emphasized that the foremost priority remains halting the "Israeli" aggression, securing a full withdrawal from southern Lebanon and ensuring the release of detainees.

"The first priority must be to stop the 'Israeli' aggression, withdraw from southern Lebanon and release the detainees," Sheikh Qassem stated. He stressed that Lebanon cannot rise while the “Israeli” occupation continues to bombard different areas of the country.

The Resistance Leader further pointed out that while Lebanon has fully complied with the ceasefire agreement, it is "Israel" that has violated it over 3,000 times.

"There is a ceasefire agreement that we, as the Islamic Resistance and other parties, have committed to in order to empower the state. Lebanon did not commit any breach or violation, while 'Israel' committed more than 3,000 violations and acts of aggression," His Eminence affirmed.

Transitioning to the role of the Lebanese state, Sheikh Qassem urged officials to act decisively on the diplomatic front.

"The state must move actively, summon the Quintet Committee nations, file complaints to the UN Security Council, and summon the US ambassador, who is openly biased toward 'Israel'," the SG stressed.

Highlighting recent attacks, the Hezbollah Chief noted the "Israeli" aggression on Beirut’s southern suburb [Dahiyeh].

"Yesterday, the southern suburb was subjected to an ‘Israeli’ attack without any justification. Its purpose was political pressure, but what distinguishes this aggression is that it occurred with American approval, as admitted by the enemy," he revealed.

Sheikh Qassem warned that "Israel" continues to target civilians and agricultural lands, emphasizing the state's responsibility to take a firmer stance.

"The state is responsible for exerting pressure, and so far it has only applied soft pressure. It must intensify its efforts and summon the ambassadors of the guarantor states," he demanded.

Regarding Lebanon’s broader political landscape, the Resistance Leader reiterated the necessity of safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and warned against making concessions.

"We have halted all military divisions along our borders. Are we now being asked to offer concessions? Do not ask us for concessions because we will never give up Lebanon’s strength. Even America stops when we stand firm," His Eminence asserted.

Addressing Lebanon’s internal dynamics, Sheikh Qassem condemned the failure of some factions to confront "Israel," accusing them instead of sowing discord.

"The state and all political forces are responsible for confronting 'Israel'. Some parties have not raised their voices against the enemy but have instead attacked the Resistance. These are the 'fitna' seekers," he said.

Sheikh Qassem reminded the public that "Israel’s" ambitions extend to controlling Lebanese territory.

"'Israel' wants to dominate Lebanon, build settlements within it and weaken it. Those who do not believe this must explain why 'Israel' remained in Lebanon for 18 years and only withdrew under the pressure of the Resistance," the Secretary General stated.

He also criticized “Israeli” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting the failures of the enemy’s leadership.

"Netanyahu has failed to achieve his war objectives and is now fighting internal battles," he observed.

On the subject of governance and sovereignty, Sheikh Qassem called on the Lebanese state to maintain a strong position.

"Lebanon was strong and will remain strong through its Resistance, army, and people. We will not return to a time when America and 'Israel' controlled us," His Eminence affirmed.

The Resistance leader appealed to the government to stand its ground firmly.

"The Lebanese state must stand tall and refuse to offer concessions to the enemy so that we can rebuild and advance the country," he urged.

Moving to the pressing issue of reconstruction, Sheikh Qassem expressed his disappointment with the state's delay in fulfilling its obligations.

"The state has significantly delayed reconstruction efforts, despite committing to it in its ministerial statement. We have yet to see any tangible results," he said.

His Eminence stressed that rebuilding efforts must not be neglected, as they are fundamental to Lebanon’s recovery.

"The state must start preparing an agenda for reconstruction. No agreement can be complete without rebuilding. Failing to do so will impoverish the people and perpetuate discrimination," he warned.

Sheikh Qassem also highlighted Hezbollah’s role in alleviating the burden on the state.

"Hezbollah has spared the state the burden of sheltering and repairing homes, a task that no political party or Resistance movement would usually undertake. We are grateful to Iran and its leadership, especially Imam Khamenei, for supporting this endeavor," the Sheikh stated.

He provided figures demonstrating Hezbollah’s efforts: "So far, we have sheltered 50,755 people whose homes were completely destroyed and restored 332,000 homes — a responsibility that the state should have assumed, but we carried it out with our bare hands".

Turning to the upcoming municipal elections, the Resistance Chief reiterated the importance of unity, responsibility and service.

"The priority now is to build the state, and we have always been committed to this path," His Eminence affirmed, emphasizing Hezbollah’s support for the election of a president and the formation of a government as part of state-building efforts.

He urged strong participation in the elections, stressing, "Participation in the municipal elections is for serving the people, not for political exploitation. This is our school of thought".

Sheikh Qassem emphasized the need for efficiency and communal harmony, saying, "We must contribute to improving municipal administration and offer a model that satisfies the citizens. We must preserve unity within towns, ensure family and communal representation, and foster a spirit of shared development".

He concluded by encouraging voters to take responsibility, "I urge all citizens to turn out in large numbers for the municipal elections. Whoever wishes to see their town flourish must shoulder the responsibility”.

Finally, Sheikh Qassem touched upon regional developments, offering condolences and expressions of solidarity.

"I extend my condolences to Iran's leadership, government, and people for the heavy loss suffered in the Bandar Abbas explosion," His Eminence said.

He also praised the resilience of Gaza and the steadfastness of Yemen:

"To the people of Gaza, your legendary resilience prevents the enemy from achieving its objectives and paves the way for victory," the Sheikh declared.

"I salute Yemen for its resilience and its support for Gaza — a distinction you have honorably earned," the Resistance Chief stated, concluding his speech.