BEIRUT: Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem says his group has blocked what he called the “Greater Israel” project from expanding into Lebanon.
Qassem made the remarks on Friday during a religious event in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
The event took place at Ashoura Square to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad and Imam Jaafar Al-Sadiq. It also marked Islamic Unity Week.
Qassem Says Hezbollah Will Not Surrender
Qassem said Hezbollah would remain committed to what he described as resistance against Israeli actions in the region.
He said the group had made major sacrifices in Lebanon and elsewhere.
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“We will hold our heads high and will not surrender,” Qassem said.
He also claimed that US and Israeli efforts had failed to achieve their wider goals in the region.
According to Qassem, Iran and resistance groups continue to oppose those efforts.
Hezbollah Leader Criticizes Lebanese Government
Qassem also criticized the Lebanese authorities over their approach to Israel.
He accused the government of moving away from the November 27, 2024 agreement.
He also objected to direct negotiations with Israel.
Qassem said such talks did not stop the conflict.
Instead, he argued that the talks gave Israel greater political legitimacy.
He called the approach a surrender of Lebanese sovereignty.
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Qassem Says Hezbollah Does Not Want War
The Hezbollah leader said his group did not seek war.
He pointed to Hezbollah’s acceptance of the November 27, 2024 agreement as evidence of its position.
However, he described the current conflict as Israeli aggression rather than a mutual war.
Qassem also said the violence would not have eased without a US-Iran memorandum of understanding.
Hezbollah Claims It Blocked Israeli Expansion
Qassem said Hezbollah viewed “Greater Israel” as the main Israeli expansion project.
He pointed to developments in Syria as part of the wider regional picture.
He said Hezbollah would remain active and reject plans that threaten Lebanon.
“We broke the ‘Greater Israel’ project and prevented it from reaching Beirut,” Qassem said.
He also claimed that Hezbollah had helped prevent Israel from weakening Lebanon and expanding settlements.
Qassem said Israel had not established settlements in southern Lebanon because the area remained unstable.
He also claimed that Israeli forces feared resistance groups and their supporters.
Hezbollah Rejects Proposed Framework
Qassem said Hezbollah remained in a state of confrontation with Israel.
He said the group would accept only the implementation of the October 27, 2024 agreement within the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
He rejected another framework agreement that he said would harm Lebanese sovereignty.
Qassem called the proposed framework illegitimate and humiliating.
He also said it would fail to restore Lebanon’s rights.
Qassem Calls for Islamic Unity
The Hezbollah leader also used his speech to call for greater unity among Muslims.
He said Islamic unity should promote cooperation among Muslim states and their peoples.
According to Qassem, unity should also help Muslim countries reduce foreign dependence.
He called for an end to sectarian and political divisions.
Qassem said Muslim countries should focus on what he described as the main threats to the region.
He also placed Palestine at the center of his call for unity.
He said the Palestinian cause would shape the future of the wider region.
Call for Regional Understanding
Qassem said the region needed greater security and cooperation.
He called for better understanding among regional states.
“It is time for our region to become secure through understanding among its states,” he said.
He also called for an end to what he described as foreign arrogance and interference.
Qassem concluded by stressing Hezbollah’s commitment to its supporters and reconstruction efforts.
He said the group would continue providing social support and helping rebuild areas affected by the conflict.
