In his first public comments since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem spoke on Saturday evening, addressing the Lebanese terrorist group's position amid recent regional developments. Qassem acknowledged that while Hezbollah has faced significant challenges, including the loss of its weapons supply route from Iran through Syria, the group remains resolute in its mission.
"The enemy wants to eliminate the resistance that stands in its way of spreading throughout the region," Qassem said, referencing the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) occupation of the buffer zone along the Syrian border. Despite the setbacks, Qassem insisted that Hezbollah would continue its "resistance," despite the disruption to its logistical lines.
Loss of Syrian Supply Route
Qassem openly admitted that Hezbollah had lost access to its critical weapons supply route from Iran through Syria due to recent developments, including the weakening of the Assad regime. However, he remained defiant, stressing that Hezbollah's "resistance" would continue regardless of the logistical challenges. "The resistance is flexible, and continuity is what matters," he said.
While Hezbollah has suffered human losses, including the deaths of its leader Nasrallah and his successor Hashem Safi ad-Din, Qassem emphasized that the organization’s resolve remains strong. "The dead increase our responsibility in confronting the enemy," he said, adding that Hezbollah would continue to fight through "faith and preparation."
Israel’s Failure to "Break" Hezbollah
Qassem claimed that Israel's efforts to "break" Hezbollah during the recent war had failed. He argued that Israel's main objective — to eliminate Hezbollah — had not been achieved, and as a result, the group had emerged victorious. "The enemy realized that the horizon in dealing with Hezbollah was blocked, so it reached an agreement," Qassem said. "Hezbollah won because the enemy did not achieve its main goal — to eliminate Hezbollah and return the settlers without an agreement."
However, American mediator Amos Hochstein, who has been involved in negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, said that Israel's goal was never to eliminate Hezbollah. According to Hochstein, this made it easier for the parties to reach an agreement in the north, in contrast to the more complex situation in Gaza.
Ceasefire Agreement and Israeli Violations
Qassem discussed the ceasefire agreement reached in the aftermath of the war, emphasizing that the deal's main objective was to "stop the attacks" rather than disarm Hezbollah. He stressed that the agreement was in line with United Nations Resolution 1701, which pertains to the area south of the Litani River in Lebanon. Despite Israel's continued violations of the ceasefire, including recent attacks that have caused casualties, Qassem said Hezbollah had been patient in order to help implement the agreement and avoid becoming an obstacle.
Israel has conducted numerous strikes on Lebanon since the ceasefire, including several attacks over the weekend. While the Lebanese government has not directly responded, Hezbollah’s leadership continues to frame these actions as Israeli aggression and violations of international law.
Future of Hezbollah in Syria and Lebanon
Qassem's comments also touched on the broader regional context, particularly the situation in Syria. He accused Israel, with American backing, of destroying the Syrian army under the guise of self-defense. "They want to destroy the entire region," he claimed. However, he indicated that Hezbollah would bide its time in determining how to deal with the rebels who helped overthrow the Assad regime.
"We will decide how to respond once the government in Syria stabilizes and takes clear positions," he stated.
Despite the loss of the supply route, Qassem expressed hope that the Syrian government, once stabilized, would continue to view Israel as an enemy and avoid normalizing relations with the Jewish state. His comments came after rebel leader al-Julani suggested that Israel no longer had any excuse to operate in Syria, signaling a shift in the regional balance of power.
Strengthening Lebanese Army
In addition to his comments on military strategy, Qassem discussed Hezbollah's long-term objectives, including the strengthening of the Lebanese army. While Hezbollah has traditionally operated independently of the Lebanese military, Qassem expressed support for strengthening the Lebanese forces in an effort to prevent Israeli incursions near the border. "We hope that the Lebanese army can better defend our sovereignty," he said.
Qassem's statement also hinted at internal shifts within Hezbollah, with the organization preparing for future leadership changes and a renewed focus on implementing the ceasefire agreement. The group's stated goal is to ensure that Lebanon remains a stronghold for its operations while dealing with the broader geopolitical shifts in Syria and the region.
Hezbollah’s Continued Resistance
Despite the setbacks in Syria and the evolving geopolitical landscape, Hezbollah appears committed to its objectives. As Qassem concluded, "The resistance continues, and each stage has its own ways and methods." Hezbollah's leadership remains firmly entrenched in its ideology, despite the complex challenges ahead.
The situation in both Syria and Lebanon will likely continue to evolve, with Hezbollah and Israel locked in a tense standoff. Meanwhile, the broader Middle East remains on edge, as the repercussions of these ongoing conflicts continue to reverberate throughout the region.
Comments