Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem rejects weapons talks while Israeli occupation persists, demands withdrawal and calls for an end to US interference.
Key Developments
- Qassem rejects discussion of resistance weapons while Israeli occupation and attacks continue.
- He challenges the framework agreement’s legitimacy, saying it violates Lebanon’s Constitution.
- Hezbollah’s leader credits Iran’s resilience and diplomacy with curbing attacks on Lebanon.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem said Wednesday that the movement would not discuss its weapons while Israeli occupation and attacks on Lebanon continue, demanding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.
In a statement addressing developments in Lebanon and the region, Qassem called for Israel to withdraw in accordance with the November 27, 2024, agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 1701, alongside the deployment of the Lebanese army south of the Litani River.
He said resistance would continue until Lebanon’s occupied territory was liberated, arguing that Israeli military campaigns sought territorial expansion and the establishment of a “Greater Israel.”
Qassem pointed to the Madrid and Oslo agreements, saying previous diplomatic arrangements had failed to prevent Israel from pursuing its expansionist policies.
He credited the resistance’s endurance and the sacrifices of Lebanese people with preventing Israel from achieving its objectives in Lebanon.
He also cited Israel’s political, economic and social crises, characterizing its election results as an indication of defeat.
Qassem said Hezbollah’s position did not depend on who governed Israel, insisting that Israeli forces must leave Lebanese territory and that the occupation would not continue.
Framework Agreement
Qassem challenged the legitimacy of the framework agreement, saying it contradicted Lebanon’s Constitution, the Taif Agreement, existing laws, the president’s inaugural address and the government’s policy statement.
He accused the agreement of surrendering Lebanon’s sources of strength and fostering internal discord and instability.
The Hezbollah leader also called for an end to what he described as US tutelage over Lebanese decision-making, saying interference in state institutions violated the country’s sovereignty.
On regional developments, Qassem said Iran’s resilience had thwarted US and Israeli objectives of overthrowing its political system and dividing the country.
He argued that Washington faced economic difficulties, inconsistent political decisions and declining international standing.
He described the agreement between Iran and the United States as a source of strength in the current phase, alongside the endurance of the resistance and the Lebanese population.
Qassem said the memorandum of understanding had reduced the intensity of attacks on Lebanon. He praised Iran’s efforts to secure an end to Israeli attacks and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.
National Dialogue
Addressing Lebanon’s internal divisions, Qassem reaffirmed Hezbollah’s commitment to national unity and its readiness to help reconcile differences, urging other Lebanese parties to translate their support for unity into practical measures.
He emphasized the strength of Hezbollah’s relationship with the Amal Movement and allied political forces, citing shared positions on Lebanese sovereignty, the role of the army and the rejection of internal strife.
Qassem also supported dialogue with Lebanon’s political and social constituencies and the authorities, within the principles of sovereignty and the Constitution.
On reconstruction, he renewed Hezbollah’s commitment to sheltering those affected by Israeli attacks, repairing homes and rebuilding damaged communities. He said the movement was working to secure the resources needed to continue those efforts.
He called on the Lebanese state to fulfill its responsibilities and seek assistance from friendly countries to support reconstruction.
Qassem concluded that the resistance would continue confronting the occupation, reaffirming its commitment to national sovereignty and rejecting concessions that undermine Lebanon’s rights.
https://www.palestinechronicle.com/become-our-land-smotrich-calls-for-annexing-60-of-gaza-lebanon/
(PC, Official Statement, Al-Mayadeen)
“Reprinted from…”No Arms Talks under Occupation: Hezbollah’s Qassem Demands Israeli Withdrawal – Palestine Chronicle