Hezbollah’s Sheikh Naim Qassem Vows Continued Resistance at Memorial Ceremony

“We will not abandon our weapons or our land,” Qassem declared. “As Sayyed Nasrallah taught us, we will never forsake the path of Hussein (AS).”

The ceremony also honored martyr Haj Ali Karaki, who assumed command after the death of Fouad Shukr and was martyred alongside Sayyed Nasrallah. Sheikh Qassem described the recent conflict as a “global war” waged by Israel with U.S. and European backing, aimed at dismantling the resistance and advancing the vision of a Greater Israel. Despite targeted assassinations and battlefield pressure, he said Hezbollah regained the initiative and halted enemy advances.

“If pager attacks and assassinations of leaders and commanders had occurred along with the war, any army or militia group would have collapsed. But we regained the initiative and stopped the enemy army’s advance on the battlefield”, He said.

Addressing U.S. policy, Sheikh Qassem criticized Tom Barrack’s remarks about disarming Hezbollah and the US refusing to arm the Lebanese army against Israel, “We will not allow the U.S. to dictate Lebanon’s defense strategy,” he said. “Any plan that serves Israel, even if disguised in national colors, will be met with resistance.”

Sheikh Qassem also called on the Lebanese government to allocate resources for reconstruction and reaffirmed support for the Taif Agreement, which emphasizes full liberation of Lebanese territory. He endorsed holding parliamentary elections on schedule and emphasized unity with the Lebanese army against external threats.

“The land watered with the blood of martyrs will never belong to the Zionists,” he said. “To the people of resistance: no one can defeat you. Together, we will expose the failure of the enemy’s project. This anniversary is a testament to our loyalty.”