policy
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naeem Qassem announced today, Friday, his categorical rejection of what he termed "American guardianship," which he stated aims to plunder Lebanon and undermine its future. Speaking on the twentieth anniversary of the July 2006 victory, Qassem clarified that the capture of two soldiers in 2006 did not necessitate a war. However, it later became clear that "Israel," in collusion with the United States, was preparing a large-scale military operation for September of that year. He noted this operation led to the release of prisoners and that the ambitious "New Middle East project" subsequently failed. Qassem highlighted that deterrence against the "enemy" has persisted from 2006 until 2023, affirming "the enemy succumbed to this resistance, to this people, and to steadfast Lebanon." He emphasized that the 2006 victory proved the resistance's ability to change regional equations. Qassem further indicated that the "Battle of Oulai Al-Bas" resulted in the "October 2024 agreement," calling for the "enemy's" withdrawal, thereby implying an end to this aggression. He maintained this agreement remains valid, but criticized Lebanese authorities for focusing solely on the resistance's arms, levelling accusations against it, and failing to cooperate. Qassem stated that authorities, regrettably, had other calculations and commitments, operating under a guardianship whose results later emerged. He insisted that if the war hadn't commenced on March 2nd, it would have started later. He confirmed the resistance prevented the "enemy" from achieving its objectives and remains committed to its path, warning that those who bank on surrender are pursuing a mirage. Qassem concluded by asserting the "Framework Agreement" is merely "Israeli dictates" signed by Lebanese authorities, stressing the "enemy" would not have waged such aggression without American support.
