Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem emphasized that Israeli and American forces have maintained their aggression against Lebanon for over a year and three months. His Eminence highlighted that the ceasefire agreement of November 27, 2024, marked a new phase, one that Hezbollah upheld in coordination with the Lebanese state, while the Israeli enemy has failed to comply with any of its provisions.
In his first televised address since the onset of the wide-ranging Israeli military campaign in Lebanon, delivered on Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV, Sheikh Qassem emphasized that the movement initially pursued a diplomatic course—a strategy that, he argued, has produced no tangible results over the past fifteen months.
“The group refrained from responding to repeated Israeli attacks to avoid accusations of obstructing diplomacy and because the responsibility rests with the state. This approach allowed the Lebanese state to assume responsibility and test its ability to implement the agreement while protecting Lebanon’s sovereignty.”
His Eminence reiterated that Hezbollah’s patience has limits, stressing that the Lebanese government must act more decisively so that the public can witness tangible results. While not evaluating the state’s overall performance, Sheikh Qassem underscored that Israeli transgressions have reached an alarming scale.
Sheikh Qassem recalled that Hezbollah was advised that the full deployment of the Lebanese Army south of the Litani River might help curb aggression. The party was urged to exercise patience, as such a deployment could pave the way for halting hostilities and securing an Israeli withdrawal. However, he stated, these expectations have not materialized.
Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem in his first televised address since the outbreak of war in Lebanon:
— ManarWeb (@WebManar) March 4, 2026
– Hezbollah refrained from responding to repeated Israeli attacks to avoid being accused of obstructing diplomatic efforts
His Eminence further warned of the Israeli enemy’s expansionist ambitions, citing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s declaration of a desire for a “Greater Israel” and pointing out U.S. endorsement of these claims.
“Israel poses an existential threat to us, our people, our homeland, and the entire region,” Sheikh Qassem affirmed.
Addressing domestic and international pressures focused on disarming Hezbollah, Sheikh Qassem questioned the logic behind such demands. “Is the problem here?” he asked, asserting that the real issue is not internal politics, weapons, or national components but the ongoing violations of Lebanese sovereignty and the Israeli-American occupation—through airspace violations and overarching interference in Lebanon’s affairs.
Lebanese Government Decisions: Grave Mistakes
Hezbollah’s Sheikh Qassem denounced the Lebanese government’s August 5 and 7 decisions as a “major sin,” arguing that they weakened Lebanon’s position and effectively legitimized Israeli aggression. His Eminence stressed that ongoing concessions occurred amid a relentless pace of attacks, as if these violations were intended to pressure Lebanon into diplomatic and political moves that would strip the country of leverage, force it into powerless negotiations, and place it on a path entirely incompatible with its sovereignty and independence.
Sheikh Qassem emphasized that it is incumbent to take all possible measures to halt this dangerous trajectory driven by ongoing Israeli-American aggression—a campaign that, he warned, threatens Lebanon’s national sovereignty and risks imposing submission and capitulation.
Addressing questions about the timing of Hezbollah’s response, His Eminence asked, “Are we expected to exercise patience indefinitely? The limits to patience have been repeatedly emphasized, questioning whether fifteen months of daily violations, nearly 500 martyrs over that period—roughly one per day—along with two daily injuries, and widespread destruction of homes are insufficient justification.”
His Eminence cited statistics from the United Nations and the Lebanese Army reporting over 10,000 violations by land, sea, and air, noting that these are far above the “two, three, or four” violations typically reported in the media—a number that has gone largely unheeded.
Sheikh Qassem also highlighted the Israeli enemy’s systematic destruction of homes and lands along the border regions, far exceeding the scale of its operations during Operation Mighty Warriors in 2024, and the abduction of Lebanese citizens from various areas.
“These actions demonstrate Israel’s disregard for consequences, its intent to display power through killing, destruction, and abduction, and its effort to impose political decisions on Lebanon, even threatening mass annihilation of those deemed resistant.”
His Eminence stressed that Hezbollah’s missile salvoes are a direct response to Israeli-American aggression against Lebanon.
“These missiles are not the cause of the Israeli attack or battle, as some claim. They are a reaction to fifteen months of violations and the Israeli disregard for everything related to Lebanon, including attacks on the high religious authority, Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei, may his soul be sanctified. The ongoing operations represent a response to sustained confrontation and aggression.”
Israeli Aggression Was Pre-Planned
Sheikh Naim Qassem described the missile salvo launched by the Resistance as a decisive move to dispel any illusions that the enemy would remain silent if left unchecked. “This assumption was entirely mistaken. The missile strikes themselves became the pretext for the Israeli enemy to initiate its war.”
His Eminence added that within 36 to 48 hours of the escalation, more than 40 people were martyred and around 250 wounded, the majority civilians—men, women, and children in their homes—alongside widespread destruction of buildings across multiple regions, all unfolding in full view of the world.
Sheikh Qassem detailed Israel’s systematic displacement of over 85 villages and towns, along with the destruction of property, including Al-Qard Al-Hasan centers—social financial institutions serving hundreds of thousands of Lebanese from diverse sects, religions, and regions. Israeli forces also targeted Al-Manar TV and Al-Nour radio, representing an assault on independent media. His Eminence dismissed Israeli claims linking these sites to Hezbollah, stating that what occurred was an act of annihilation aimed at both Lebanon and the Resistance.
His Eminence emphasized that the Israeli aggression was not a direct response to Hezbollah’s missile salvo, but rather a premeditated campaign.
“Israeli media reports and statements by officials clearly indicated that the attacks were planned in advance, with 100,000 reservists mobilized to focus on the northern front. The operation was meticulously organized, independent of Hezbollah’s actions, demonstrating that the aggression is part of Israel’s broader project in Lebanon.”
Sheikh Qassem revealed that Hezbollah was informed by intermediaries about a month before the war regarding the possibility of the group’s involvement if a conflict with Iran erupted.
“The Israeli strikes on Lebanon were planned long before any potential Hezbollah intervention, and the Israeli enemy had not abandoned its plans against Lebanon; rather, it orchestrated its timing to strike Lebanon first, while fully preparing the campaign.”
Hezbollah Affirms Right to Defend Lebanon Against Israeli-US Aggression
Hezbollah’s Sheikh Qassem criticized the Lebanese government for failing to confront Israeli-American aggression directly. Instead of condemning the attacks and seeking ways to resist, he said, the government turned to Hezbollah, effectively aligning with Israeli demands.
“This stance is unacceptable toward Lebanon’s sovereignty and the Lebanese villages whose residents face ongoing attacks.”
Sheikh Qassem emphasized that the missile salvo was not a matter of timing or provocation in isolation but a response to the continuing, planned Israeli-American aggression.
“The Resistance and its arsenal represent a legitimate human, legal, and international right—sanctioned under the Taif Agreement, all divine laws, and even Lebanon’s own governmental and constitutional mandates. Hezbollah exercises this right to respond appropriately to aggression, defending the Lebanese people, the resistance, and the nation in a sustained existential struggle until its objectives are met.”
His Eminence warned that Israel sought a conflict with maximum destructive reach, but Hezbollah’s approach remains persistent defense, grounded in its capabilities and convictions, regardless of sacrifices or asymmetry in resources.
“The Resistance seeks to neutralize the enemy’s objectives and reject its projects, honoring the trust given by the martyrs, Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah, and the legacy of our heroic leaders.”
His Eminence also highlighted the government’s responsibility to restore Lebanon’s sovereignty, protect its people, and uphold the Resistance’s right to defend against aggression until hostilities cease and Israel withdraws.
Sheikh Qassem condemned Israel’s forced displacement of Lebanese civilians as an attempt to create division between the Resistance and the people. He affirmed that the displaced are honorable citizens whose resilience and sacrifices have thwarted Israeli objectives, as demonstrated during Operation Mighty Warriors.
His Eminence praised the patience and faith of the Lebanese people in facing both aggression and displacement during this holy month, invoking the Quranic verse:
“And do not weaken in pursuit of the people. If you are suffering, [know that] they are suffering as you suffer, and you hope from Allah what they do not hope. And Allah is Knowing and Wise (Surah An-Nisa 4:104).”
“This trust in God remains essential for the continued struggle and ultimate success of our resistance.”
Confronting Israeli-US Aggression Requires National Unity
Continuing his remarks, Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem stressed that the Israeli occupation of Lebanon indiscriminately kills people and destroys infrastructure across all regions of the country.
“This is an aggression against all of Lebanon, and everyone bears responsibility in confronting it.”
His Eminence highlighted that the importance of national unity grows under these circumstances, calling on all energies, capabilities, political and religious forces, and local communities to be mobilized. “Efforts must be unified to face the Israeli enemy as a priority before debating other issues or reaching agreements,” Sheikh Qassem urged.
“The ongoing confrontation in Lebanon is aimed at defending the people, safeguarding the future of children, and confronting direct attacks on the country. This struggle is independent of any other conflict, with Hezbollah’s primary objective being the cessation of Israeli-American aggression and the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Lebanese territory.”
Regarding displaced civilians, Sheikh Qassem emphasized that sheltering them is a national responsibility requiring collective cooperation. The government, its agencies, and ministries are tasked with providing necessary services to displaced Lebanese citizens.
“Hezbollah will fulfill its responsibilities toward the people and the nation to the fullest extent, while calling on civil society organizations, political parties, religious authorities, and all relevant stakeholders to contribute to this vital social effort. Past experiences demonstrate Lebanon’s ability to mobilize and unite in times of crisis.”
Sheikh Qassem also offered an opportunity for political opponents of Hezbollah to open a new chapter of cooperation, emphasizing the critical need not to undermine the Resistance during the confrontation. His Eminence warned that unity would directly support the success of the struggle and accelerate outcomes in halting Israeli-US aggression.
“Lebanon must stand as one hand to facilitate cooperation and achieve national objectives.”
Sheikh Qassem concluded his address with a prayer for blessings, victory, and guidance during the holy month of Ramadan, affirming that performing one’s duty with reliance on God will lead to victory along the path of righteousness.
“Confronting the aggression will bring good for all Lebanon and for the nation.”
Source: Al-Manar Website