Resistance Forced Israel to Accept Ceasefire: Hezbollah

The secretary general of Hezbollah resistance movement says Israel agreed to ceasefire with Lebanon only after suffering heavy blows from the resistance’s steadfast fighters.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Lebanon’s Al-Manar channel, on Sunday, Sheikh Naim Qassem said the resistance’s ability to strike the residence of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu demonstrated its power to reach deep into the heart of the regime.

He said during the war with Israel, Hezbollah only targeted the regime’s military bases, despite having the capability to strike anywhere across the occupied territories.

Sheikh Qassem vowed Hezbollah will never stop resistance against Israel.

“The people of the resistance are the noblest and most honorable. Now, I understand even more the relationship between Sayyed Nasrallah and the people—it is beyond words,” he said.

“After Sayyed Nasrallah’s martyrdom, there was coordination with Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, and we agreed to postpone the funeral to safeguard the people. As time passed, the situation necessitated further delays. The turnout was unparalleled,” he said.

“I felt that the people were declaring, ‘We remain loyal to you, Sayyed Nasrallah.’ Resistance is not merely a phase—it is a deeply rooted belief embraced by men and women, young and old,” he stated.

He warned that if the regime’s forces remain on the Lebanese soil, they would be confronted by Hezbollah as well as the Lebanese army and people.

He emphasized that while Hezbollah’s principles remain unchanged after the ceasefire agreement, its strategies and approaches have evolved.

Sheikh Qassem added that the movement is assessing what happened in the war with Israel to learn from it and adjust its future tactics in confrontation with the occupying enemy.

He praised Hezbollah’s steadfast supporters, recalling families who had lost loved ones yet remained resolute.

“One woman gave three martyrs, two sons-in-law, and two grandchildren—ready to sacrifice more. Another offered her only son and stood prepared to give again. Who can defeat such a people? They stand firm, always ahead of their enemies, defying every conspiracy,” he said.

Sheikh Qassem thanked Iraq, Iran, Palestine, Yemen, Tunisia, and all who stood in solidarity with the resistance, noting that “even when flight paths were blocked, Iranian delegations still found a way to attend,” the funeral of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah last week.

He rejected claims that the resistance had been weakened.

He recalled his last meeting with Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on September 18, 2024, and their final phone call on September 21, 2024.

“After Sayyed Nasrallah’s assassination, I spoke with Sayyed Hashem Safieddine about the burial and leadership transition. I proposed that he take on the role of secretary general. But before any formal announcement, Sayyed Hashem was also martyred,” he said.

Addressing concerns about the resistance’s future, Sheikh Qassem said, “The resistance is strong and ongoing, though it has endured sacrifices. Could anyone expect it to continue without them?”

“Yes, we have made great sacrifices, but we understand that facing Israel, the US, and their allies requires paying a price. We are up against a massive force that has used every means of brutality against the resistance in Palestine and Lebanon.”

Commenting on the Israeli enemy, he said, “Their casualties are mounting, their economy is strained, and their forces are suffering significant losses. This confirms that the resistance remains steadfast.”

“The US is putting great pressure on us, using its regional tools. But we will face this challenge in the appropriate manner,” he stated.

He responded to US efforts to exclude Hezbollah from the Lebanese government, stating, “Despite American opposition, we are part of the government, and we will continue to act in Lebanon’s best interests.”

On the normalization issue, he made clear, “Normalization with certain countries is not our concern. Those who choose this path will pay a price with the US and the Israeli enemy, as the enemy will always demand more.”

Source: Press TV