Statements from Hezbollah and reports from international relations analysts

Hezbollah's Naim Qassem Declares 'Great Victory' Over Israel Greater Than 2006, Vows Defense Cooperation with Army

Nov 29, 2024, 04:59 PM

Hezbollah's Secretary-General Naim Qassem delivered his first speech on Friday since the ceasefire with Israel, declaring a 'divine victory' that he claimed surpassed the group's 2006 war with Israel. Speaking from an undisclosed location, Qassem stated that Hezbollah prevented Israel from destroying or weakening the organization, asserting that their resilience 'deterred the Israeli army and instilled despair among Israeli politicians and people.' He pledged to cooperate closely with the Lebanese army, promising that coordination would be at a 'high level' to implement the ceasefire agreement. Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah accepted the ceasefire 'with heads held high' under the 'ceiling of Lebanese sovereignty' and is ready to prevent the enemy from 'weakening us.' He expressed gratitude to Iran, mentioning Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as Syria, Yemen, and Iraq for their support. He affirmed that Hezbollah's support for Palestine 'will not stop' and promised to assist with reconstruction efforts in Lebanon. Qassem described the 64-day conflict as an 'unprecedented aggression' and said that great sacrifices were made in the face of it.