Beirut – SABA:
The Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Sheikh Naeem Qassem, affirmed on Friday that “defending the homeland requires no one’s permission”, adding that the resistance remains open to discussions when a serious and effective alternative for national defense is proposed.
In remarks delivered during the ninth night of Ashura commemorations at the Sayyed al-Shuhada Complex, as reported by Al-Manar, Sheikh Qassem stated:
“We are not far from discussion and understanding with those who claim to be capable of protecting the country. But we will not accept demands to hand over our weapons without first demanding an end to aggression.”
He criticized those calling for disarmament while remaining silent about the Israeli occupation, saying:
“It is illogical to criticize only those resisting occupation while ignoring the occupier itself.”
Addressing those betting on foreign powers or hiding behind hostile forces, Qassem said:
“You miscalculated. The people of resistance do not fear enemies, nor will they surrender their rights. True achievement lies in liberating land and restoring sovereignty — and we are always ready for this mission.”
He emphasized that Ashura commemorations are a revival of Islam’s broad and timeless teachings, noting that Islam is not a set of rigid rituals, but rather a comprehensive project for humanity, built on unchanging values and flexible practices that adapt to time and experience.
Sheikh Qassem added that the emergence of pioneering figures in Lebanon who adhere to Islamic principles reflects a living embodiment of the values Hezbollah believes in.
He also recalled the resistance’s role in recent confrontations:
“In our last two battles — ‘Al-Awliyaa’ al-Ba’s’ and ‘Al-Aqsa Flood’ — we fought alongside the people of Gaza and sacrificed many martyrs, including women and children, because our resistance is comprehensive and inclusive.”
He concluded by stressing that true patriotism lies in attachment to the land and defending it, educating future generations to love and belong to it:
“We believe in our country. There is no contradiction between Islam and patriotism. Islam encourages love of the homeland and urges its defense.”
Qassem reiterated that Hezbollah’s choice of resistance stems from Islam, inspired by the paths of Imam Hussein (A.S.) and Lady Zainab (A.S.), stating:
“Our resistance is not a slogan, but a firm stance against the Israeli enemy. He must leave — and we have no option but to resist him until he does.”
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