Beirut: Sheikh Naim Qassem, the newly elected Secretary General of Hezbollah, declared on Wednesday that the anticipated ‘absolute victory’ promised by Israeli Prime Minister will instead result in an ‘absolute defeat’ for Israelis. In his first televised address following his election, succeeding the martyred former Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah, Sheikh Qassem emphasized Hezbollah’s preparedness for an extended conflict, asserting that the Lebanese resistance group will emerge from the war stronger and victorious.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Sheikh Qassem highlighted the resilience of the resistance efforts in Gaza and Lebanon, terming them as epic. He affirmed that Hezbollah will not concede to any settlement and insisted that the conflict will conclude on the resistance’s terms. He stated that the Israeli adversary would be unable to impose its conditions on them, speaking via Al-Manar. Sheikh Qassem also recounted the challenges faced by Hezbollah since the pager attacks on Se
ptember 17 and the assassination of its senior leaders, noting the group’s recovery and resurgence thereafter.
Mourning the loss of prominent figures, Sheikh Qassem paid tribute to the Head of Hezbollah Executive Council Sayyed Hashem Safeiddine and Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar. He acknowledged Sayyed Safeiddine as a key figure whom the late Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah relied upon. On Sinwar, Sheikh Qassem remarked on his enduring legacy of heroism and resistance, emphasizing his continued influence even after martyrdom. He expressed gratitude to Hezbollah’s leadership and the Shoura Council for entrusting him with this significant responsibility, vowing to uphold the legacy of martyr Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah and other senior leaders.
Sheikh Qassem articulated the necessity of supporting Gaza to counter the Israeli strategy threatening the broader region. He criticized the Zionist entity for its longstanding aggression without provocation, asserting that through resistance, they will disrupt Israeli schemes. He char
acterized the current conflict as a global war involving Israel, the US, and Western countries, employing all brutal means. He commended the steadfastness of resistance in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of these efforts for future generations.
Reiterating Hezbollah’s stance, Sheikh Qassem clarified that the group is not engaged in a proxy war for any regional player. He outlined their mission to defend Lebanon and support Gaza, recognizing Iran’s support for the resistance while welcoming assistance from any Arab state. Despite suffering substantial setbacks, Hezbollah has managed to recover, with Sheikh Qassem affirming their readiness for a protracted war. He highlighted Hezbollah’s resilience in maintaining operations despite continuous Israeli airstrikes and declared the conflict as the ‘Battle of Mighty Warriors’.
In a direct address to Israelis, Sheikh Qassem asserted their inevitable defeat, urging them to withdraw to avoid unprecedented losses. He concluded with a vow that Hezbollah wi
ll emerge victorious and stronger from this confrontation, countering any claims of ‘absolute victory’ from Netanyahu with a promise of absolute defeat, invoking the words of martyr Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah: ‘Era of defeats has gone, it’s era of victories.’