Lebanese Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem confirmed on Wednesday that the party has great sacrifices to make at this stage, expressing his confidence that “victory over the enemy will be their ally,” indicating that the party will continue with the war plan.
Qassem said in his first speech since his election as Secretary-General of Hezbollah: “My work program is a continuation of the work program of our leader, Mr. Hassan Nasrallah, in all political and social fields.”
Qassem continued that he would continue to adhere to the approach of former Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, who was assassinated in an Israeli raid on the southern suburb of Beirut last September, and pointed out that the pager and radio bombings affected about 4,000 people.
He added: “We will continue to implement the war plan and remain on the war path.”
He continued, “We will maintain the set political directions and deal with the developments at this stage.”
Qassem stressed that “supporting Gaza was necessary to confront Israel’s threat to the entire region from the Gaza gate.”
The new Secretary-General of Hezbollah considered that “Israel’s aggressive intentions towards Lebanon were clear.”
Qassem is a veteran figure in the group, as he participated in the meetings that led to the formation of Hezbollah, and has served as Deputy Secretary-General since 1991.
The new Secretary General of Hezbollah has long been one of the party’s prominent spokesmen, and has given many interviews to foreign media.
Lebanese Minister: Hezbollah does not represent one of Iran’s arms
In turn, the Minister of Labor in the Lebanese government, Mustafa Bayram, said that the appointment of Naim Qassem as Secretary-General of “Hezbollah” indicates the party’s cohesion and continuity, and that the party “does not represent one of Iran’s arms.”
Bayram confirmed in statements to Sputnik that the election process that took place under fire (in reference to the war with Israel) is a consistent indicator of Hezbollah’s cohesion and continuity, noting that the appointment of Naim Qassem as the party’s new Secretary-General is conclusive evidence that the latter is a capable institution. To continue and not be devoid of competencies at various levels.
Bayram recalled previous periods in the party’s history “to indicate its constant ability to overcome difficulties and adversity,” and pointed out that “the assassination of the former Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Abbas al-Musawi, on February 16, 1992, constituted a turning point in the party’s history.”
He said: With the assassination of Musawi, Israel believed that the resistance in Lebanon had ended, but Hezbollah, under the leadership of its former Deputy General, Hassan Nasrallah, was able to strengthen its presence and confirm its continuity.
The Lebanese minister believed that “It cannot be said that Hezbollah represents one of the arms of the Islamic Republic of Iran because the resistance in Lebanon existed before the Islamic Revolution in Iran.”
Hezbollah responds to Israel’s threats to its new leader
In a related context, “Hezbollah” responded to Israel’s threats to its new leader, as Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Fadlallah, on Wednesday, downplayed the threats of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant, in which he said that the group’s new Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, “will not hold the position for a while.” Long.”
Fadlallah said that Gallant’s comments would “not be useful in dissuading Naeem Qassem from continuing the path, confronting the aggression with the rest of his brothers, and leading this resistance and its party to victory.”
Gallant had threatened Qasim, stressing that his appointment was “temporary” and that “the countdown to him had begun.” Gallant wrote on his account on the “X” platform: “The countdown has begun,” and he accompanied the tweet with a picture of Qasim.
Last updated: October 30, 2024 – 16:55
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Also emphasized that Hezbollah’s recent leadership transition does not imply a shift in its strategic direction but rather a reinforcement of its existing commitments to resist external threats and support regional allies. He noted that Qassem’s long-standing involvement with the party and his proven track record make him a suitable leader at a critical time.
Bayram concluded by stating that Hezbollah remains a distinctive entity, asserting its independence and capability in facing both domestic challenges and foreign aggression. This perspective highlights the party’s self-perception as a sovereign force in Lebanon, separate from any narrative that positions it solely as an extension of Iranian influence.
Through these statements, both Qassem and Bayram aim to communicate a message of resilience, continuity, and an unwavering stance against perceived threats in the region, reinforcing Hezbollah’s narrative of legitimacy and purpose amidst ongoing conflict.
Correction
Lebanese Hezbollah’s newly elected Secretary General, Naim Qassem, has pledged to continue the party’s longstanding war efforts, emphasizing the sacrifices that lie ahead. In his first address since taking office, he echoed the sentiments of his predecessor, Hassan Nasrallah, who was assassinated in September during an Israeli raid. Qassem’s commitment is characterized by an unwavering adherence to the group’s strategic goals, particularly regarding support for Gaza as a necessary response to perceived Israeli aggression in the region.
Qassem, who has been a prominent figure within Hezbollah for decades, highlighted the organization’s political resilience and reiterated that Hezbollah does not serve as a mere extension of Iranian influence. This sentiment was supported by Lebanese Minister of Labor, Mustafa Bayram, who underscored the party’s historical ability to navigate challenges and maintain coherence, particularly in light of recent conflicts.
In response to threats from Israel’s Defense Minister, who suggested that Qassem’s leadership would be short-lived, Hezbollah spokesperson Hassan Fadlallah dismissed such claims, asserting that the group would continue its resistance efforts undeterred. He emphasized that Qassem’s appointment reflects the party’s strength and determination to face ongoing challenges in the region.