Hezbollah’s Secretary General Naim Qassem delivered a speech on Saturday to mark International Jerusalem Day, reaffirming his pro-Iranian formation's commitment to Iranian leadership and the Palestinian cause.
“This day is a day of solidarity with occupied Jerusalem and with all vulnerable people around the world,” said Naim Qassem. He underlined the transformations that have taken place since Imam Khomeini established the day, highlighting “the changes in favor of the liberation of Palestine” and “the great development of resistance.”
He also spoke of Hezbollah's role in Lebanon, saying that the movement had become “a major force of resistance against Israel.” He insisted, “We carry within us the conviction and commitment to the liberation of Palestine and Lebanon,” adding that “Hezbollah has played a leading role in supporting Palestine, embodied at the highest level by the martyrdom of Hassan Nasrallah.”
Regarding the situation vis-à-vis Israel, Naim Qassem warned that “let it be clear that Israel considers Lebanon a target for annexation, at least as far as southern Lebanon, colonization and territorial expansion are concerned.”
‘False’ Accusations
Referring to the domestic political situation, Naim Qassem turned the recent political changes to his advantage, hailing the “major breakthrough” achieved by Hezbollah and the Amal movement through “the election of the president, the formation of the government and the drive to consolidate the state.” He also called for national unity, asserting that “Lebanon can only rise again with the unity of all its people, and no one should believe that they can exclude one party.”
The Hezbollah leader also laid the blame for recent security developments in the east and south of the Lebanese state, urging it to “assume its responsibilities in the face of occupation,” while denouncing Israel's “daily aggressions” against Lebanon. He also refuted accusations aimed at Hezbollah concerning the situation in Syria and on the borders, calling them “misleading.” He asserted, “The Lebanese people have the right to rebuild what Israel has destroyed.”
Naim Qassem concluded his speech with a warning, declaring, “If Israeli action boils down to murder, destruction and occupation, it's impossible to remain spectators.”
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