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<h1 class="gmail-reader-title">Hezbollah SG reveals war details on Al Mayadeen for the first time</h1>
<div class="gmail-credits gmail-reader-credits">Al Mayadeen English</div>
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<div class="gmail-reader-estimated-time">July 8, 2025</div>
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<div class="gmail-moz-reader-content gmail-reader-show-element"><div id="gmail-readability-page-1" class="gmail-page"><p>Hezbollah
Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem details post-war readiness, stance
on Syria, and reasons for accepting the ceasefire after Sayyed Hassan
Nasrallah's assassination.</p><div><ul id="gmail-content-slick-0"><div aria-hidden="false"><li>
<a href="https://alpha-en-media.almayadeen.net/media/image/2025/7/8/ef035aef-32d3-4acb-90ca-69dabfc97a17.jpg?v=4&width=1000" tabindex="0"><img src="https://alpha-en-media.almayadeen.net/media/image/2025/7/8/ef035aef-32d3-4acb-90ca-69dabfc97a17.jpg?v=4&width=1000&preset=w700" alt="Hezbollah SG reveals war details on Al Mayadeen for the first time" class="gmail-moz-reader-block-img"></a>
Screen Grab from Al Mayadeen interview with Hezbollah's
secretary general, Sheikh Naim Qassem, aired on July 8, 2025 (Al
Mayadeen)
</li></div></ul>
<p>In his first interview with <strong>Al Mayadeen </strong>since assuming the leadership of Hezbollah, Sheikh Naim Qassem spoke to <strong>Al Mayadeen</strong>'s
chairman of the board of directors, Mr. Ghassan Ben Jeddou, offering a
detailed account of the Resistance's strategic decision to enter the
ongoing war on Gaza through a "support battle" rather than a full-scale
war.</p>
<p>Sheikh Qassem described the move as the product of collective
deliberation within Hezbollah\u2019s Shura Council, marking a pivotal moment
in the group's evolving response to the Israeli occupation's war on
Gaza. Sheikh Qassem revealed that Hezbollah\u2019s Shura Council convened and
unanimously decided to enter the support battle for Gaza. He emphasized
that this decision was not taken lightly nor through phone calls. \u201cThis
kind of decision cannot be made via phone calls or casual
communications. It required an urgent in-person meeting,\u201d he said,
adding that the decision came two days after the start of the war, while
Hezbollah had already begun launching attacks from Shebaa Farms on
October 8.</p>
<p>Responding to the question of why Hezbollah chose a limited support
operation rather than an all-out war, Sheikh Qassem stated that a
full-scale war demands significant prior preparations. \u201cThe outcome of a
full war is predictable. It requires preparedness that simply wasn\u2019t
available,\u201d he said. Instead, Hezbollah opted for a measured approach.
\u201cWe had to enter the battle with limited support and observe
developments closely. Based on how things evolved, we could make a
clearer choice,\u201d Sheikh Qassem explained.</p>
<h2>Goals of engagement in support operation</h2>
<p>Weeks into the operation, the Shura Council solidified its decision
to pursue a support war rather than a comprehensive one. According to
Sheikh Qassem, this approach successfully achieved Hezbollah\u2019s strategic
objectives without escalating into full-scale conflict.</p>
<p>Sheikh Qassem outlined three primary goals behind Hezbollah\u2019s
engagement: Diverting the Israeli occupation forces: \u201cWe aimed to draw a
significant number of Israeli forces to northern occupied Palestine,\u201d
he said; creating social pressure: Hezbollah sought to force the
evacuation of Israeli settlers from the north, thereby triggering a
social, economic, and security crisis; inflicting casualties: \u201cThe more
soldiers we kill, the more we push Israel closer to defeat,\u201d Sheikh
Qassem asserted.</p>
<p>These tactics, he said, helped deplete Israeli military capabilities
near Gaza and the surrounding areas, easing pressure on the besieged
population in the Strip. \u201cIt also sends a clear message to the Israelis
that they are facing a two-front war, and that it is in their interest
to find a solution and bring this to an end,\u201d he added.</p>
<h2>No prior coordination</h2>
<p>Sheikh Qassem denied that Hezbollah had any prior coordination with
Hamas before the October 7 operation. \u201cWe simply didn\u2019t know. If we
weren\u2019t aware, how could we join a comprehensive war from the start?\u201d he
said.</p>
<p>He disclosed that Hezbollah later received a message from the
commander of Hamas\u2019 military wing, martyr Mohammed Deif, via a Lebanese
intermediary. Sheikh Qassem added that discussions were held in Beirut
with senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya and his delegation during
their visit. According to Sheikh Qassem, both Hezbollah and Palestinian
factions, including in a meeting with the late Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah,
reached a shared conclusion: the support operation was sufficient to
serve the resistance's broader aims.</p>
<p>\u201cFor two months, we assessed whether this level of support was
enough. But we came to see that the Israeli aggression was extreme,
supported by new rules of engagement and US backing,\u201d he said. \u201cDoing
more than support would not have changed the outcome.\u201d</p>
<p>Sheikh Qassem clarified that, based on his information, Iran was not
informed in advance of Hamas\u2019 plans. \u201cIn fact, even parts of Hamas\u2019
leadership abroad weren\u2019t aware,\u201d he noted. Still, he stressed that
Iran\u2019s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, militarily,
financially, politically, and even through intelligence and media, has
continued uninterrupted. \u201cWhether they told us or not, our stance
remains firm in supporting Palestine, especially during this strategic
phase of the al-Aqsa Flood,\u201d he said.</p>
<h2>Breaches that affected Hezbollah being investigated</h2>
<p>In the second installment of his exclusive interview with <strong>Al Mayadeen</strong>,
Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem addressed the recent
security breaches that shook the organization, revealing ongoing
internal investigations and new details about the scope and nature of
the infiltration.</p>
<p>Sheikh Qassem confirmed that a central investigative committee had
been formed and was still working, alongside several subcommittees
examining specific aspects of the breach, including the booby-trapped
pagers, the location of Sayyed Nasrallah\u2019s assassination, and the
assassination of Sayyed Hashem Safieddine. He said various monitoring
and investigation points had also been established.</p>
<h2>Rigged pagers, untraceable explosives</h2>
<p>On the issue of the rigged pagers, Sheikh Qassem revealed that
investigations uncovered a serious vulnerability in the procurement
process over the year to year and a half leading up to the purchase. \u201cWe
did not know the supply chain had been exposed. With the means
available to us, we could not detect the presence of explosives,\u201d he
admitted. He explained that the type of explosive device used inside the
pager was highly advanced and undetectable by standard methods. \u201cThis
could be seen as a failure, or as a limitation of our capabilities,\u201d he
said.</p>
<p>In the days just before the pager explosion, Hezbollah\u2019s team had
already begun to suspect a malfunction. \u201cThere were efforts to examine
the pager differently, including attempts to break it open, which were
prompted by some anomalies that raised questions,\u201d Sheikh Qassem noted.</p>
<p>As to whether the Israeli regime detonated the device out of fear it
might be discovered, he said, \u201cThat\u2019s an Israeli assessment. Perhaps
they feared we were close to exposing it.\u201d</p>
<h2>Massive surveillance, not human espionage</h2>
<p>Sheikh Qassem also acknowledged a serious gap in Hezbollah\u2019s
awareness of the scale of Israeli surveillance, particularly through
electronic and aerial means. He said Hezbollah had received reports
indicating possible wiretapping, but \u201cwe did not realize the extent,
that it was near-total and very extensive.\u201d</p>
<p>He said "Israel" has been collecting data through aerial surveillance
over a 17-year period, documenting geographical and infrastructural
changes. \u201cWe didn\u2019t have the capacity to grasp how deep Israel\u2019s
information gathering had gone,\u201d Sheikh Qassem admitted.</p>
<p>In light of this, Sheikh Qassem argued that human espionage now plays
a secondary role compared to the technological intelligence
capabilities deployed by Israel. \u201cFrankly speaking, the human breach
appears very limited compared to the immense volume of data collected
through surveillance and drones,\u201d he said.</p>
<p>He firmly denied any evidence of a widespread human infiltration
within Hezbollah\u2019s ranks. \u201cThere is no indication of any significant
breach involving core figures or senior commanders,\u201d he stressed,
pledging transparency. \u201cIf we find there has been human penetration, I
will speak publicly and disclose the level of that breach.\u201d</p>
<h2>1,500 bugged devices intercepted</h2>
<p>Sheikh Qassem also disclosed that Hezbollah intercepted a shipment of
roughly 1,500 bugged pager devices in Turkiye. The discovery was made
after the initial pager explosion. Hezbollah immediately contacted
Lebanon\u2019s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who in turn reached out
to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo\u011fan, requesting the devices be
destroyed. \u201cThis issue was addressed swiftly after the explosion,\u201d
Sheikh Qassem said. </p>
<p>As for speculation that similarly rigged military armor or protective
gear may have been intended for Hezbollah fighters, Sheikh Qassem
stated: \u201cI have no information to confirm that.\u201d</p>
<p>Sheikh Qassem addressed the future of the party following months of
war and the loss of top leaders, including the late Sayyed Hassan
Nasrallah. He emphasized resilience, determination, and the readiness to
confront any future Israeli aggression.</p>
<h2>'A people that cannot be defeated'</h2>
<p>Sheikh Qassem reassured supporters that Hezbollah, despite the severe
blows it had endured, is not a defeated force. \u201cA people like this, an
Ummah like this, a party and resistance like this, cannot be defeated,\u201d
he declared. \u201cDo you expect anything less than for us to remain present,
strong, and capable of shaping the future we choose?\u201d</p>
<p>Referring to the attacks that targeted Hezbollah\u2019s advanced
capabilities, including the bugged pagers and communications systems, as
well as the assassination of Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah,
Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, and a group of top commanders and
lower-ranking officers, Sheikh Qassem said the Israeli occupation had
assumed Hezbollah would collapse. \u201cAnd yet, here we are, back on our
feet, engaged in fierce battle, and forcing Israel to agree to a
ceasefire. What does that say?\u201d he asked.</p>
<p>He listed what he called the elements of victory: Hezbollah\u2019s
continued operations, the Israeli failure to penetrate deeper into
Lebanese territory or reach Beirut or Sidon, and the preservation of
Lebanese unity. \u201cThey failed to spark internal strife. They failed to
destroy the party. They failed to achieve their objectives,\u201d he
affirmed.</p>
<h2>'Our patience has limits'</h2>
<p>Commenting on the Israeli occupation's expanding aggression,
including recent attacks on Beirut\u2019s southern suburb, Sheikh Qassem
warned that Hezbollah\u2019s patience was not unlimited. \u201cResistance will not
wait forever. There are limits,\u201d he stated. While he did not disclose
timing or methods, he underscored that when the decision is made, \u201cthere
is no third option between victory and martyrdom. We do not have
surrender as an option.\u201d</p>
<p>He attributed the Israeli occupation's escalated operations to US
policy, saying Washington hopes to gain through diplomacy what it failed
to achieve militarily. \u201cTheir strategy is: \u2018Let\u2019s use diplomacy to get
what we couldn\u2019t in war.\u2019 So the Americans apply pressure through
Israel,\u201d he said.</p>
<p>Sheikh Qassem praised Lebanese state leaders for their unified
position. \u201cI salute President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, and all
officials involved in what has become a remarkable display of national
unity.\u201d</p>
<h2>Martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah</h2>
<p>In deeply personal remarks, Sheikh Qassem reflected on the loss of
Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, calling it a devastating shock not only to the
public but also to Hezbollah\u2019s leadership. \u201cHis martyrdom was not only
unexpected to the world, it was unexpected for us,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you had
asked me before, I would have said all of us might fall before Sayyed
[Nasrallah] does. That\u2019s how strong, courageous, and divinely guided he
was.\u201d </p>
<p>\u201cIt was not easy to imagine his departure,\u201d he added. \u201cPerhaps this
was part of a divine secret. We do not know when our time comes. But he
earned his rest, and he rose to the highest rank. We consider martyrdom
the greatest honor, and he received the highest honor.\u201d</p>
<p>Sheikh Qassem described the moment he learned of the assassination.
\u201cAt first, I was in denial. I thought maybe the news wasn\u2019t true, maybe
he wasn\u2019t hit, maybe he was still alive somewhere. But the next day, the
brothers confirmed the body had been recovered. That\u2019s when the truth
settled in.\u201d</p>
<p>The greatest challenge now, he said, is carrying on in the absence of
a leader whose strength, tone, energy, and stance were irreplaceable.
\u201cWe don\u2019t cry because he\u2019s gone, we cry because we don\u2019t know how to
compensate for what we\u2019ve lost,\u201d Sheikh Qassem said. \u201cBut martyrdom
doesn\u2019t stop the path; it nourishes it.\u201d</p>
<p>\u201cWe are now charged with continuing this mission at the level of his
sacrifice. With sincerity and resolve, we ask God to help us carry this
responsibility.\u201d</p>
<h2>Assuming the leadership of Hezbollah</h2>
<p><span>Sheikh Qassem opened up about the tense days following the
assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, recounting his first public
appearance, the burdens of leadership, and how Hezbollah transitioned
into a new command structure while under fire.</span></p>
<p>After the assassination of Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, Sheikh Qassem
formally assumed the role of Secretary General, with direct
responsibility for overseeing Hezbollah\u2019s military operations. He said
that shortly after taking the helm, he was asked by an Iranian military
leader and a Lebanese commander outside Hezbollah how he would manage a
military campaign.</p>
<p>Sheikh Qassem explained that the Secretary-General is, by party
structure, also the head of the Jihadi Council, responsible for
directing military affairs. \u201cNow that I was in this position, I had to
intensify communication with relevant commanders and better understand
operational details,\u201d he said.</p>
<p>He laid out three key qualifications for leading Hezbollah and its
resistance project: The ability to organize and lead effectively, a deep
understanding of Hezbollah\u2019s mission and strategic vision, and
familiarity with the party\u2019s structure, resources, and internal
workings. \u201cAll of these were present,\u201d he affirmed, noting that he had
served as deputy for 32 years and was an active member of the Shura
Council throughout.</p>
<h2>Process of making military decisions</h2>
<p>Sheikh Qassem offered a rare insight into Hezbollah\u2019s military
decision-making process, emphasizing that all major decisions, from
naming unit leaders to launching operations, are made collectively
within the Shura Council. \u201cThere is no appointment without deep
discussion.\u201d</p>
<p>He added that proposed battle scenarios, such as the Qalamoun
campaign, Hezbollah\u2019s entry into Syria, or decisions to retaliate
against Israeli actions, are always brought before the council. \u201cWe
might say: this is our proposal, the Jihadi Council recommends this
course. Should we strike this way? Launch a drone? Fire a rocket? All of
this goes through internal deliberation,\u201d he said.</p>
<p>Sheikh Qassem stressed that Hezbollah continued to function in an
organized fashion even amid heavy attacks. \u201cHezbollah was run as if it
still had a secretary general. No one outside the leadership was making
the decisions.\u201d</p>
<p>He detailed how operational decisions were made for each escalation.
\u201cWhen Tel Aviv was struck, that had its own directive. When the strike
hit Netanyahu\u2019s residence, that required a specific order. Even what the
enemy calls \u2018Black Sunday\u2019 on November 24, 370 rockets and drones in
one day, that too was based on a formal decision.\u201d</p>
<h2>The Tel Aviv strike: Meticulously coordinated</h2>
<p>Sheikh Qassem emphasized that the strike on Tel Aviv was not
spontaneous but the result of deliberate planning and leadership
oversight. \u201cThe Secretary-General was following developments closely
through the military command,\u201d he said, referring to martyr Sayyed
Nasrallah, who remained engaged in strategic oversight until the last
moment.</p>
<p>He described the military command structure at the time of the strike
as fully intact. \u201cEvery position in the military command was occupied.
No seat was left vacant,\u201d he stated, adding that contingency plans were
implemented quickly after leadership losses.</p>
<p>Sheikh Qassem acknowledged that Iran had provided consultations, for
which he expressed gratitude, but stressed that the decisions came from
Hezbollah\u2019s own organizational framework. \u201cWhile we appreciate the
Iranian advice, the decisions related to our military structure were
made internally,\u201d he noted.</p>
<p>He cited a specific instance to illustrate the level of coordination:
the timing of his third public speech, which was immediately followed
by the Tel Aviv strike. \u201cHow could the two occur back-to-back unless
there was a detailed, prearranged plan?\u201d he asked rhetorically.</p>
<h2>'Legendary resilience' on the support front</h2>
<p>Reflecting on the battlefield performance, Sheikh Qassem described
the front as having exhibited \u201clegendary resilience,\u201d which he
attributed to two main components. \u201cFirst, the young fighters who were
stationed there: they knew what they were doing and held their ground
even if they were cut off from communication. They achieved something
heroic,\u201d he said.</p>
<p>\u201cThe second component was the external support, what we call the
bombardment,\u201d he added, referring to the salvoes of missiles and drones
launched by Hezbollah in support of frontline units. He assured the
public that even in the most difficult moments, Hezbollah maintained an
active and coordinated presence. \u201cUntil the very last moment, fighters
were reaching positions like the southern town of Khiam,\u201d he revealed.
\u201cThere were places we couldn\u2019t reach, yes, but not everything was
severed.\u201d</p>
<p>Asked whether Hezbollah still possessed the human and non-human
capabilities needed to continue fighting, Sheikh Qassem declined to
disclose numbers or percentages related to losses or remaining strength.
Instead, he offered a concise yet firm assurance: \u201cHezbollah is
rebuilding, recovering, and ready now.\u201d</p>
<p>He added, \u201cIf Israel were to attack, we would not stand by and watch; we would fight.\u201d</p>
<p>Regarding claims that 500 of Hezbollah\u2019s weapons storage sites south
of the Litani River had been destroyed, Sheikh Qassem replied: \u201cThey\u2019re
referring to what they saw south of the Litani. But the country is
vast,\u201d declining to elaborate further.</p>
<h2>Why Hezbollah accepted a ceasefire</h2>
<p>Sheikh Qassem revisited discussions that took place even before the
war began, noting that martyr Sayyed Nasrallah had publicly stated
Hezbollah was not seeking war. A French-American proposal for a 21-day
ceasefire in Lebanon, separate from Gaza, was already circulating well
before the broader conflict erupted.</p>
<p>According to Qassem, on September 25, a joint French-American
statement outlined the proposal. \u201cAs media coverage and diplomatic
discussions unfolded, Sayyed Nasrallah informed Speaker Nabih Berri
through (Hezbollah MP) Hussein Khalil that Hezbollah was open to the
idea of a ceasefire, depending on how the proposal could be improved
through negotiations,\u201d he explained.</p>
<p>But just two days later, Sayyed Nasrallah was assassinated, and the
situation changed dramatically. Hezbollah launched what it later named
Operation <em>People of Might</em> in response to the Israeli
escalation. Sheikh Qassem disclosed that the name was suggested in part
by martyr Mohammad Afif, who had texted Sheikh Qassem with a list of
proposed titles. </p>
<p>He stressed that Hezbollah had never made a decision to enter a
full-scale war, only to retaliate for Israeli aggression. \u201cIf the enemy
stops, we are ready to stop. We didn\u2019t start the war; they did,\u201d he
said.</p>
<h2>Avoiding a war of attrition</h2>
<p>Sheikh Qassem explained that the military campaign had succeeded in
halting the Israeli occupation's advance and preventing it from
achieving its objectives. Prolonging the conflict further, he argued,
would have led to a war of attrition with no strategic gain. \u201cAt that
point, the battle risked becoming aimless, and we would have ended up at
the negotiating table anyway,\u201d he said. \u201cSo, on November 24, we agreed
to a ceasefire because the enemy had also accepted it.\u201d</p>
<p>The agreement was facilitated by US envoy Amos Hochstein, who
presented a draft to Speaker Nabih Berri. Hezbollah reviewed the
proposal, submitted amendments through Berri, and the final agreement
was reached with unanimous approval from Hezbollah\u2019s Shura Council.</p>
<p>Qassem noted that Hezbollah\u2019s front-line commanders also supported
the deal. \u201cThey said this was the right proposal at the right time,
after we had reached the point of attrition.\u201d</p>
<p>Sheikh Naim Qassem firmly rejected two prevailing narratives
surrounding the movement\u2019s decision to accept a ceasefire with the
Israeli regime: that Iran pressured Hezbollah into the agreement, and
that the central leadership was unaware of the heroic endurance being
demonstrated by fighters on the southern front.</p>
<p>Sheikh Qassem stressed: \u201cHow could a ceasefire go into effect at 4
o\u2019clock, and everyone from the frontlines to the rear immediately
comply, unless there\u2019s a connected command chain and a decision being
executed?\u201d He emphasized that Hezbollah\u2019s military discipline disproved
the claim of disconnection with field units.</p>
<p>On the role of Iran, Qassem was equally clear: \u201cIran never asked us
to agree to a ceasefire. We informed them of our decision, but it was
entirely ours. It was a Lebanese decision, taken by Hezbollah and Amal.
Even the Lebanese state accepted the agreement through indirect
negotiations.\u201d</p>
<h2>Iran\u2019s calculated non-intervention</h2>
<p>Sheikh Qassem acknowledged that at the outset of the Gaza war,
Hezbollah had moved independently to begin its support operations based
on its own assessment of capabilities and strategic timing. Although
some within the Palestinian factions initially felt the support was
insufficient, they later accepted its value.</p>
<p>As for Iran\u2019s role in the broader regional war, Sheikh Qassem pointed
to Tehran\u2019s calculated restraint: \u201cIran understood that direct entry
into the war would pull the United States into a confrontation with
Tehran, giving Israel exactly what it wanted, a larger war with US
backing.\u201d</p>
<p>Instead, Iran chose to provide critical financial, military,
political, and media support across the Axis of Resistance. \u201cIran did
everything it could and more,\u201d said Qassem. \u201cWe never asked Iran to
participate in the war, and it did not need to be asked. Its support is
the foundation of our resilience, and that of the entire resistance.\u201d</p>
<p>He stressed that direct military engagement is not the only form of
meaningful support: \u201cParticipation comes in many forms. Iran did what
mattered most, and it was deeply effective.\u201d</p>
<h2>The Leader of the Revolution's personal involvement</h2>
<p>Sheikh Qassem also revealed the degree of attention Iranian Leader
Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei devoted to the situation in Gaza and
Lebanon. \u201cThe Leader was receiving daily reports from the IRGC, Iranian
intelligence, and media, and was actively following developments. He
urged his officials to give support, stay engaged, and stand by us,\u201d
Qassem said.</p>
<p>\u201cWhat more could we ask for?\u201d he added. \u201cThe stream kept on flowing
even if some of the canals got damaged. But if the source dries up, we
have a real problem. And the source, Imam Khamenei\u2019s commitment, remains
steadfast.\u201d</p>
<p>In a candid assessment of the regional landscape, Hezbollah Secretary
General Sheikh Naim Qassem described the collapse of the Syrian
government as a \u201cdefinite loss\u201d for the Axis of Resistance, noting that
Syria once served as a vital logistical and political artery for armed
Palestinian groups and resistance movements.</p>
<h2>Syria\u2019s Strategic Role Before the Collapse</h2>
<p>Sheikh Qassem stated, \u201cWhat happened in Syria was certainly a loss
for the Axis of Resistance because Syria was a route for military
support,\u201d recalling the era when Damascus offered concrete assistance to
Palestinian factions and facilitated the transfer of weapons and
supplies. </p>
<p>He added that the Syrian government, prior to its downfall, had a
clear political stance aligned against the Israeli occupation, which
amplified its value to the Axis of Resistance. The collapse of that
role, he said, had ripple effects not only in Lebanon but also in Gaza,
where resistance forces had relied on Syrian backing in various forms. </p>
<p>The Hezbollah leader expressed uncertainty regarding Syria\u2019s political future:<br>"We
still cannot clearly read what the shape of the future Syrian system
will be," he said, raising critical questions about whether the country
will emerge as an inclusive political order or fall under the control of
a single faction that sidelines other communities and movements. Sheikh
Qassem also warned of lingering instability: \u201cThousands of Alawites and
others were killed by groups connected to the regime. This poses a
serious threat to any efforts at rebuilding a stable national
framework.\u201d </p>
<p>Despite Hezbollah\u2019s historic alliance with Syria, Sheikh Qassem
clarified that the organization has \u201cno connection to the internal
situation in Syria\u201d following the regime\u2019s collapse, but he hoped
Syrians would ultimately form a unified and independent government that
stands against the Israeli occupation.</p>
<h2>Normalization with the Israeli occupation</h2>
<p>Turning to recent signs of Syrian normalization with the Israeli
regime, Sheikh Qassem issued a stern warning: \u201cSuch steps are extremely
dangerous,\u201d emphasizing that any move by Syria to engage with the
Israeli occupation would be viewed as a betrayal of its resistance
legacy. He expressed confidence, however, in the Syrian people: \u201cOur
trust in the Syrian people is high. We believe they will reject
normalization, but how they do that is their responsibility, not ours.\u201d</p>
<p>Sheikh Qassem reiterated Hezbollah\u2019s consistent opposition to
normalization, whether by Syria or other Arab regimes: \u201cWe have always
opposed normalization. Israel will not stop its aggression just because
someone shakes hands with it. That\u2019s an illusion.\u201d He criticized the
continued Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights and the constant
strikes inside Syria, noting that the Zionist regime has \u201ctaken 600
square kilometers of Syrian territory and stripped the Syrian army of
much of its military capacity, yet its demands and attacks never cease.\u201d</p>
<h2>'Israel' is not to be trusted</h2>
<p>Sheikh Qassem concluded with a stark reminder: \u201cIsrael is a predatory
entity. It\u2019s expansionist, insatiable, and criminal. It has no problem
committing acts of mass killing. It is a rampaging beast backed by the
greatest tyrant, the United States.\u201d</p>
<p>His remarks encapsulate Hezbollah\u2019s long-held view that the only
viable approach to the Israeli occupation is resistance, not appeasement
or normalization and that any regional actor entertaining otherwise is
playing with fire. </p>
<p>In his continued commentary on regional developments, Hezbollah
Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem firmly rejected any notion that the
party is involved in shaping or influencing Syria\u2019s internal resistance
landscape, stressing that Hezbollah opposes normalization with the
Israeli occupation in principle, but would not interfere directly in
Syria\u2019s domestic decisions. </p>
<h2>Hezbollah opposes normalization, plays no role in Syria</h2>
<p>When asked if Hezbollah\u2019s opposition to normalization was purely
theoretical or would involve practical efforts inside Syria, Sheikh
Qassem replied: \u201cWe will not intervene on the ground to try to change
the direction of the Syrian regime. We have no relation to that. We are
against normalization in theory.\u201d</p>
<p>He further clarified that Hezbollah has no ties to any current Syrian
groups claiming the mantle of resistance: \u201cEven those who now call
themselves \u2018the Resistance\u2019 or \u2018the People of Valor\u2019, maybe they liked
the name or someone suggested it, but we have no connection to them. We
have no organized resistance project inside Syria.\u201d</p>
<p>He added that even during earlier border disturbances in Lebanon\u2019s
Hermel region, Hezbollah explicitly distanced itself from the events and
coordinated with the Lebanese Army to ensure state control.</p>
<p>Sheikh Qassem stressed Hezbollah\u2019s complete detachment from both the
Syrian regime and any armed groups active within the country. \u201cWe are
not involved on the borders, that\u2019s the army\u2019s responsibility. We\u2019re
also not involved in the coastal events in Syria, nor in determining the
nature of Syria\u2019s regime or whether a resistance exists there.\u201d</p>
<p>He reiterated that Hezbollah\u2019s stance toward Syria is expressed only
in political terms, emphasizing: \u201cThe responsibility lies with the
Syrian people; they make the decisions.\u201d</p>
<h2>No direct contact with new Syrian authorities</h2>
<p>On whether any contact had occurred with the new Syrian
administration, Sheikh Qassem said: \u201cThere was no direct communication.
There were some very limited, indirect attempts by ground-based groups,
but they didn\u2019t lead anywhere.\u201d He revealed that in the immediate
aftermath of the Assad regime\u2019s fall, some Hezbollah-affiliated
individuals with ties to other groups initiated informal conversations,
but those efforts quickly stalled, and no meaningful dialogue emerged.</p>
<p>Sheikh Qassem addressed growing speculation about the potential for
Syria\u2019s new rulers to be used as a tool against Hezbollah: \u201cWe have the
right to be cautious. We\u2019ve received reports from both Western and Arab
countries suggesting that such ideas exist, that someone wants the new
Syrian regime to serve a role in destabilizing Lebanon.\u201d</p>
<p>He warned Lebanese officials to be vigilant: \u201cSome countries speak
positively to Lebanon but offer nothing in return. Meanwhile, they hope
to use Syria as leverage against us.\u201d He added that certain regional and
international powers are exploring ways to resurrect past models of
Syrian dominance over Lebanon, albeit in a different guise. \u201cAs Syria
once controlled Lebanon in various ways and sometimes served foreign
agendas, some actors are looking to repeat that experience with a new
formula.\u201d</p>
<p>Without naming specific states, Sheikh Qassem underscored the
importance of political awareness: \u201cWe hope these ideas remain
theoretical and are never implemented. Lebanese political leaders must
stay alert to those who offer words without action.\u201d</p>
<h2>Hezbollah's Qassem: Attack on Hezbollah Is an Attack on Lebanon Itself</h2>
<p>Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem stressed that the
current political pressure facing the party is not merely targeted at
Hezbollah but constitutes a broader assault on Lebanon\u2019s sovereignty and
its national fabric.</p>
<p>"The current stance is not against Hezbollah, but against the Shiites
and against Lebanon itself,\u201d Qassem declared, pushing back against
narratives framing the political crisis as a partisan conflict.</p>
<p>He praised Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri for his steadfastness,
calling him \u201ca man known for taking positions worthy of pride,\u201d
highlighting Berri\u2019s commitment to Shiite unity, national unity, and the
broader Islamic cause.</p>
<p>\u201cSheikh Qassem warned that calls to disarm Hezbollah align with
Israeli demands and aim to strip Lebanon of its only real source of
strength: its resistance.\u201d</p>
<p>\u201cLebanon\u2019s strength lies in its people, its army, and its resistance.
Anyone advocating to disarm the resistance is, in effect, weakening the
entire country,\u201d he said.</p>
<h2>Existential Threat to Lebanese Shiites?</h2>
<p>When asked whether Lebanon\u2019s Shiite community is under existential
threat, Qassem responded affirmatively, noting that \u201cthere are those who
believe that elections and national governance can proceed without the
Shiite sect\u2019s participation.\u201d</p>
<p>He cautioned that without Hezbollah\u2019s deterrent power, "Israel" could
expand its aggression into southern Lebanon, posing a direct danger to
Shiite-populated areas.</p>
<p>\u201cWhen they say they want a Shiite MP in parliament who doesn\u2019t belong
to Amal or Hezbollah, their aim is to eliminate both. We are one
family, one land, one resistance,\u201d Qassem stated, defending Speaker
Berri's firm stance under regional and Western pressure.</p>
<p>He emphasized that while there is indeed a looming existential threat, the Shiite community is not powerless:</p>
<p>\u201cLet no one think we are weak. We are strong by God, and our
resilience, sacrifices, and steadfastness are what keep Lebanon
standing.\u201d</p>
<h2>Hezbollah's Relations with Internal Political Parties</h2>
<p>Regarding inter-party relations, Sheikh Qassem accused the Lebanese
Forces party of aligning ideologically with "Israel" and obstructing
reconciliation. In contrast, he revealed that Hezbollah maintains
intermittent and discreet dialogue with the Kataeb Party and ongoing,
albeit infrequent, communication with the Future Movement.</p>
<p>He lamented that the absence of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri has
weakened the Future Movement\u2019s political structure, but noted that
Hezbollah\u2019s past coordination with Hariri was substantial and
respectful.</p>
<h2>Strategic Recalibration Underway</h2>
<p>Sheikh Qassem announced an internal strategic review within
Hezbollah, noting that various committees have been tasked with
assessing the party's performance and recalibrating its operational
approach in media, education, politics, and public engagement. The
process, he said, may take up to two months.</p>
<p>\u201cOur principles remain fixed, but our methods must evolve,\u201d he noted.</p>
<h2>Openness to Gulf States and Turkey</h2>
<p>Qassem affirmed Hezbollah\u2019s willingness to engage with Arab and
regional powers, including the Gulf and Turkey, provided the
relationship is one of mutual respect and sovereignty.</p>
<p>\u201cWe welcome any Arab or foreign effort that contributes to Lebanon\u2019s
reconstruction, but not on the basis of turning Lebanon into a client
state,\u201d he stressed.</p>
<p>He confirmed ongoing communication with Ankara and other Arab
capitals, adding that Hezbollah is part of the government and open to
any constructive relationship.</p>
<h2>Support for UNIFIL, with Conditions</h2>
<p>On UNIFIL\u2019s presence in southern Lebanon, Qassem reiterated
Hezbollah\u2019s support for its mandate, provided it respects Lebanese
sovereignty and coordinates operations with the Lebanese Army.</p>
<p>\u201cWe support the extension of UNIFIL's mandate, but we reject any
unilateral operations by UNIFIL within villages and private properties
without army coordination,\u201d he said.</p>
<h2>The Role of Arms in Hezbollah\u2019s Identity</h2>
<p>Qassem dismissed calls to disarm Hezbollah as misframed, asserting that the party is more than its arsenal.</p>
<p>\u201cHezbollah is a movement, a belief, a national project. The weapon is just one part of it, and not the defining part.\u201d</p>
<p>While he acknowledged that discussions around arms are valid in the
proper context, he underscored that disarmament is not a viable path so
long as Lebanon\u2019s sovereignty is at risk.</p>
<h2>Rebuttal to Critics: \u201cWhat Have You Accomplished?\u201d</h2>
<p>In a firm rebuke to Hezbollah\u2019s detractors, Qassem challenged those demanding the party\u2019s dissolution:</p>
<p>\u201cWhat have you accomplished for Lebanon? Our track record speaks for
itself: the liberation of southern Lebanon in 2000, the deterrence of
Israeli aggression, and 17 years of security since the 2006 war.\u201d</p>
<p>He blamed political rivals for past internal conflicts, foreign interventions, and the rise of groups like ISIS.</p>
<h2>On the Absence of Factionalism Within Hezbollah</h2>
<p>Qassem laughed off recurring media speculation about internal divisions within Hezbollah.</p>
<p>\u201cThey speak of wings and factions, but I see no wings flying. The
party is united, the leadership is united, and our decisions are made
collectively through the Shura Council.\u201d</p>
<p>He described Hezbollah\u2019s internal cohesion as one of its greatest strengths.</p>
<h2>Final Word: Loyalty to Nasrallah and the Resistance Axis</h2>
<p>Qassem closed the interview with an emotional tribute to Hezbollah\u2019s late Secretary-General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.</p>
<p>\u201cMy love for Sayyed was deep, personal, and beyond formality. His
leadership lifted burdens from all of us. His martyrdom is a badge of
honor.\u201d</p>
<p>He reaffirmed Hezbollah\u2019s unwavering alliance with Iran and the
broader Axis of Resistance, praising allies in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria.</p>
<p>\u201cWe are continuing on this path with loyalty and strength. Our
journey is long, with ups and downs, but it is a journey of great
reward.\u201d</p>
<h2>Al Mayadeen\u2019s 13th Anniversary</h2>
<p>The interview coincided with the 13th anniversary of the <strong>Al Mayadeen</strong>
network, prompting Sheikh Qassem to offer heartfelt congratulations to
its staff and viewers. \u201cThey succeeded in hearing and seeing something
that clarified the truth for them, so they wouldn\u2019t be misled by the
wrong sources,\u201d he said.</p>
<p>He praised<strong> Al Mayadeen</strong>\u2019s editorial mission,
describing it as \u201cthe most prominent force confronting the resistance
project, the dignity project, the unity project, and the project of a
united, resilient nation.\u201d</p></div></div></div>
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