Sheikh Naim Qassem warned that the regime and its Western and European backers are engaged in a “major scheme” to dominate the region.
He told the audience in his maiden televised address on Wednesday that his practical plan is to continue the work of the late leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
“We will continue to implement the war plan laid out by Sayyed Nasrallah, and we will remain on the path of war within established political directions.”
The Hezbollah secretary-general emphasized that supporting Gaza is essential to confront the danger posed by the Zionist regime to the entire region.
Hezbollah was founded in 1982 to confront Israeli occupation and its expansionist intentions and to liberate the occupied land, Qassem stated.
He also addressed criticisms that the Resistance in Gaza and Lebanon provoked the Israeli aggression. He urged the public not to forget 75 years of Israeli atrocities and the role of Resistance in ending the occupation of Lebanon.
“Some argue that Israel was provoked, but does Israel need a pretext? Have we forgotten 75 years of killing Palestinians, displacing them, seizing the land and sanctities, and committing massacres?”
“It is the Resistance that drove Israel out of our land in the past in cooperation with the army and the people. International resolutions did not expel Israel from our land. Rather, it was the Resistance,” he said.
‘Resistance facing significant project’
Sheikh Qassem said Benjamin Netanyahu himself stated at the beginning of the Israeli aggression against Lebanon that it was for the sake of a “New Middle East.”
“We are facing a significant project in the region; this is a war that extends beyond Lebanon and Gaza; it is a global war against Resistance.”
“This Zionist war is American, European, and global in nature, seeking to eliminate Resistance in the region.”
“All forms of brutality and extermination are being used in this aggression to advance their project, and we must confront it rather than stand by and watch.”
The Hezbollah leader said this confrontation has discredited Western values in light of their bias toward Israel’s barbarism.
‘Resistance to shape future of region’
The Hezbollah leader emphasized that Resistance in the region is fighting for a dignified future.
“The legendary steadfastness of the Resistance in Gaza and Lebanon is an epic of dignity; it will shape our generations’ future.”
Sheikh Qassem clarified that Hezbollah is not fighting on behalf of any party but is defending Lebanon.
“No one fights on our behalf, and we do not fight on behalf of anyone. Our project is to protect our land and defend our country.”
He also praised Iran’s support for the Lebanese Resistance. Iran has never sought anything in return for its assistance, Sheikh Qassem stated.
“Iran understands the price it pays for its support of Resistance and has provided it—through martyr General Soleimani—with what no one else has offered,” he said.
“We fight on our land and liberate our occupied territory; no one asks us for anything, nor does anyone impose anything upon us.”
‘Sinwar icon of heroism’
Sheikh Qassem thanked Hezbollah’s executive council for choosing him as the leader of the movement, viewing this decision as a sign of trust.
“This trust is rooted in Sayyed Abbas al-Musawi’s (the first leader of Hezbollah) words: ‘The fundamental commandment is to preserve resistance.’”
“This trust reflects that of great leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah; I recalled his words when Sayyed Abbas al-Musawi was martyred—he spoke about how they wanted our secretary-general's killing to defeat our spirit of Resistance and shatter our will to fight. But his blood continues to boil in our veins and strengthens our determination.”
In his remarks, Sheikh Qassem offered condolences for the martyrdom of Sayyed Hashem Saffieddine, the head of Hezbollah’s Executive Council. He described Sayyed Saffieddine as an “organized individual” who kept pace with work, had keen vision, cared for fighters, and worked to meet front-line needs.
“He was one of the most prominent figures relied upon by Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.”
Sheikh Qassem also offered condolences on the martyrdom of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, hailing him as an “icon of heroism and resistance” for Palestine and free people worldwide.
“He was martyred while fighting until his last breath—steadfast, brave, faithful, upright, dignified, and free.”
To Nasrallah, Sheikh Qassem said, “You were—and will always be—the banner of victorious Resistance; beloved by fighters; a reservoir of hope; heralding victory; cherished by those longing for a dignified life.”
‘Hezbollah ultimate victor’
Sheikh Qassem touched on the ongoing confrontation with the Zionist troops, stating that the Resistance movement has recovered from the regime’s assassination of its leaders.
“The field proves and confirms Hezbollah’s recovery from the attacks it has faced, as it is a large, cohesive institution with remarkable capabilities.”
He said Hezbollah has strengthened year after year, gaining more experience, and now possesses the necessary capabilities for prolonged battlefield warfare.
Sheikh Qassem stated that the fighters on the front lines are filled with faith and courage, and no one can advance against them. He mentioned that confrontations are concentrated in border areas, and that the enemy is afraid and keeps changing its statements and objectives.
“All the required capabilities are available to the fighters on the front lines; they are steadfast and capable.”
“The operations room of the Resistance has documented the enemy's losses, which are only on the front edge, and our resistance is legendary; it is a school for generations of freedom.”
Hezbollah’s secretary-general said the occupation has admitted its inability to counter the missiles and drones.
He said the Resistance's ability to set up platforms despite continuous airstrikes is exceptional.
Qassem said Hezbollah targets bases and soldiers, while the Zionist regime targets civilians in an attempt to inflict pain upon Hezbollah and the Lebanese nation. “The enemy must know that its bombardment of our villages and cities will not make us retreat,” he said.
Sheikh Qassem said recent operations demonstrate the resolve of Resistance, citing a recent drone attack on Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence and an attack on the Benyamina base, which resulted in numerous Zionist troops being killed or injured.
“You will surely be defeated because the land is ours, and our people are united around us. Leave our land to reduce your losses, or you will pay an unprecedented price,” he warned.
“Just as we triumphed in July [2006], we will prevail now, and we will remain strong with an increasing rise in our power.”
The Hezbollah leader told American diplomats in Lebanon that they will not witness the defeat of the Resistance, not even in their dreams.
“The party will emerge from this confrontation stronger and victorious.”
“The enemy will not be able to rely on time because its losses are great, and it will be forced to stop its aggression.”
Sheikh Qassem said if the enemy wants to halt its aggression, they must accept ceasefire conditions deemed appropriate by Hezbollah, and any solution will be pursued through indirect negotiations.