Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, acknowledged security lapses within the group while claiming again its continued strength despite the heavy blows it suffered in its recent war with Israel, during an interview on Sunday with al-Manar TV, affiliated with the pro-Iran formation.
Qassem stated that an internal investigation is currently underway to assess security shortcomings and ensure accountability.
“We had a security exposure and some shortcomings, and we are conducting an investigation to learn lessons and hold people accountable,” he said.
Ceasefire and Ongoing Threats
Qassem stated that Hezbollah has adhered to the ceasefire agreement, emphasizing that there are no undisclosed clauses or secret deals. “The ceasefire agreement is the one announced and distributed; there is no secret agreement or clauses under the table,” he stated.
Despite the truce, Qassem warned that Hezbollah remains wary of Israeli activities in southern Lebanon, particularly regarding the incursion of Israeli orthodox Jewish groups at the Abbad site. “The entry of settlers into the Abbad site in southern Lebanon is evidence that we are facing a large Israeli project from the ocean to the Gulf,” he said.
Additionally, Qassem acknowledged the toll of recent conflicts. “The resistance is fine and continuing, but it was wounded and hurt and made great sacrifices,” he admitted.
He also issued a warning to Israel regarding its military presence in the region, regardless of the current weak position of its formation. “I tell the Israelis, if you remain at these points, this resistance will not let you continue there,” he declared.
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