Why it matters:
Sheikh Qassem’s remarks underscore Hezbollah’s determination to preserve its weapons and maintain its role as a central force of resistance, while simultaneously being committed to preserving Lebanon’s sovereignty and political process against the interference of the West. His statements highlight the group’s dual focus on fostering domestic unity and confronting regional challenges.
The big picture:
Hezbollah continues to pursue the role of both a national political actor and the spearhead of the resistance against the Zionist regime. Qassem’s call to uphold the Taif Agreement, maintain elections on schedule, and strengthen the Lebanese army reflects a balancing act between political legitimacy and armed resistance. By framing compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701 as Lebanon’s responsibility already fulfilled, he shifts the burden onto the Zionist regime.
What he is saying:
- On national unity and resistance: “Hezbollah is committed to Lebanon’s national unity, but everyone must be in one trench against the Zionist enemy.”
- On disarmament: “We will not allow the resistance to be disarmed, and to prevent such an attempt, we are ready for a decisive battle.”
- On the Taif Agreement: Qassem urged full implementation of the accord, which calls for liberating all Lebanese land from occupation and extending the army’s sovereignty nationwide.
- On elections: He stressed the need to hold the upcoming parliamentary elections on schedule under the current law so that “no more time is wasted.”
- On UN Resolution 1701: “Lebanon has fulfilled its obligations under Resolution 1701; now it is the turn of the Zionist regime to fulfill its commitments.”
- On government priorities: Qassem called on the government to focus on essential duties like reconstruction and to put “national sovereignty” at the top of its agenda.
- On sovereignty under threat: “No sovereignty is possible with continued Zionist aggression, and we must not surrender in the face of threats to cut aid.”
Go deeper:
In Beirut, Larijani Praises Hezbollah, Stresses Regional Dialogue
M.Majdi - seyed mohammad kazemi
