Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem called on Lebanon's political leadership to end "gratuitous concessions" to Israel, urging the government to prioritize national sovereignty, strengthen dialogue with the resistance, and maintain unity until Israeli forces withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories.

Speaking during the Arbaeen commemoration of Imam Hussein (AS) in the eastern Lebanese city of Baalbek, Qassem criticized the policy of engaging in direct negotiations with Israel while Israeli military operations and occupation continue in southern Lebanon.

"Direct negotiations have yielded nothing but shame, humiliation, and repeated disappointment for Lebanon, marked by a series of successive concessions," Qassem said.

Referring to the extensive destruction caused by Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, including the reported use of hundreds of tons of explosives in the Shaqeef area last week, Qassem questioned whether the scale of devastation had not demonstrated the futility of negotiations with Israel.

He urged Lebanese authorities to place national sovereignty at the center of state policy by strengthening the Lebanese Army, securing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territory, accelerating reconstruction efforts, uncovering the truth behind the Beirut Port explosion, and restoring depositors' funds amid Lebanon's prolonged financial crisis.

Calls for Sovereignty and Resistance

Qassem argued that safeguarding Lebanon's sovereignty requires confronting what he described as continued Israeli aggression and resisting external political pressure.

He reaffirmed Hezbollah's commitment to what the movement describes as the "resistance" against Israel, declaring that armed resistance would continue as long as Israeli occupation persists.

"The resistance will continue as long as the occupation exists. We will defend our land, our rights, and our homeland with the spirit of Karbala," he said.

At the same time, Qassem expressed support for the deployment of the Lebanese Army south of the Litani River, saying Hezbollah would assist in that process while insisting that Israel's only viable option is a complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

Iran, Ceasefire and Regional Developments

Addressing regional developments, Qassem praised Iran for what he described as its resilience in the face of pressure from the United States and Israel, saying the Islamic Republic had demonstrated its political and regional strength despite attempts to weaken it.

He asserted that understandings reached between Iran and the United States had contributed to halting hostilities in Lebanon by making Israeli withdrawal a prerequisite for achieving a ceasefire.

Qassem also expressed Hezbollah's continued support for Iran, describing the movement as proud to stand alongside Tehran against what he called common enemies.

Unity Within Lebanon

The Hezbollah leader emphasized the importance of preserving internal Lebanese unity, highlighting Hezbollah's longstanding alliance with the Amal Movement as a cornerstone of national cohesion.

"We are together not only as two parties, but as a people, a resistance, a future, and a life," he said.

He also reiterated Hezbollah's support for what has long been described by the movement as the formula of "the army, the people, and the resistance," arguing that cooperation among these three elements remains essential for protecting Lebanon.

Addressing residents of southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and Beirut's southern suburbs, Qassem acknowledged the suffering caused by displacement and destruction during recent hostilities, pledging that Hezbollah would continue efforts to provide shelter, reconstruction and assistance while urging the Lebanese government to fulfill its responsibilities toward affected communities.

Remarks on Syria and Palestine

On relations with neighboring Syria, Qassem called for stronger cooperation between Beirut and Damascus, expressing hope that Syria would regain stability and recover occupied territories. He added that Hezbollah had no objection to holding a public meeting with the Syrian leadership when circumstances become appropriate.

Concluding his address, Qassem reaffirmed Hezbollah's support for the Palestinian cause and expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza, condemning the ongoing Israeli military campaign in the besieged enclave.

Arbaeen Message

Speaking on the significance of Arbaeen, which commemorates the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), Qassem said the occasion embodies the principles of defending truth and fulfilling religious duty despite hardship and sacrifice.

He also paid tribute to the millions of pilgrims participating in Arbaeen processions in the holy city of Karbala, Iraq, and praised the large commemorative marches held in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley and Baalbek-Hermel region, describing them as a powerful expression of loyalty to Imam Hussein (AS). (ILKHA)