Naim Qassem has delivered his first speech as Secretary-General of Hezbollah, sending a message of defiance and resistance to Israel.

Starting his speech, he expressed his gratitude to the party leadership for selecting him to take on this significant responsibility.

He asked for God’s help to “bear this heavy burden and to be a servant to this cause.”

“My practical program continues Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah’s work plan. We will continue to implement the war plan and remain on the path of conflict, adhering to the outlined directives while addressing the developments of this phase accordingly.

“Helping Gaza is our duty and we will defend it to counter the Israeli threat for the entire region.”
Naim Qassem

Qassem said that Nasrallah was like a brother to him, and assassinated leader Hashem Safieddine was a man upon whom Nasrallah could heavily rely on.

He described killed Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar as “an icon of heroism and Palestinian resistance and the free people of the world.”

Also, Qassem criticized Israel’s approach to international resolutions, suggesting that it had not adhered to these agreements, and dismissed any notion that Hezbollah had provoked recent tensions.

He claimed that on October 11, 2024 Israeli and American officials reportedly discussed the possibility of declaring war on Lebanon, though the U.S. ultimately did not endorse the plan.

He asserted that the group views itself as operating within a framework of preemptive defense. “Today, we are confronting a global war involving Israel, the U.S., and Europe, all aiming to eliminate the resistance and our peoples in the region,” he said.

Qassem emphasized that Israel does not need excuses to launch surprise attacks.

“It is better to have a resistance that conducts defensive offensives than to wait for Israel to strike us unexpectedly while implementing its plans. We have engaged in preemptive defense, which is the path of protection and liberation.”
Naim Qassem

Qassem continued by saying that while the group has consistently maintained that it does not seek war for the past eleven months, it is prepared to achieve victory if compelled to do so. “The legendary resilience of the resistance in Gaza and Lebanon will shape the future of our generations,” he averred.

Additionally, the Secretary General emphasized that Hezbollah, along with Amal Movement and other allied forces, confronts Israel with their own decision and will to protect their land.

He declared that the fighters are the rightful owners of the land and the sons of this nation; “no one fights on our behalf or for anyone else’s project.”

Furthermore, the Hezbollah leader remarked that Iran provides support but does not make demands of the group.

He expressed openness to any Arab, Islamic or international nation that wishes to support their fight against Israel. “We do not fight on behalf of anyone; we fight to protect Lebanon and in solidarity with Gaza,” he claimed.

Qassem Asserts Hezbollah Ability’s To Sustain Combat

Moreover, Naim Qassem asserted that the group could sustain combat for extended periods, declaring, “We can continue fighting for days, weeks, and months.”

Qassem emphasized the honor in their struggle, stating, “We fight with dignity, targeting soldiers and military bases, while they target civilians out of cowardice.”

He criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him “dead with fear.”

Addressing Israel directly, Qassem said, “Leave our land to reduce your losses. If you remain, you will pay the price.”

Qassem expressed that if the Israelis decide they want to stop the war, “we will agree, but on the terms we deem appropriate.”

“So far, there has been no proposal from Israel that they are willing to present to us for consideration, and we will not beg for a ceasefire.”
Naim Qassem