Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem has declared that Israel has no option but to fully withdraw from all Lebanese territory, asserting that the regional conflict has entered a transformative new phase marked by the collapse of the "Israeli-American project." Speaking at the Central Ashura Council in Beirut, Qassem framed the current state of the conflict as a definitive turning point, characterizing the recent shift in regional dynamics as a victory for the resistance.
Qassem: 'Crushing Defeat' for Enemies
"They sought to destroy us, but they suffered a crushing defeat," Qassem stated, as reported by Press TV. "We have shattered the Israeli-American project and entered a new phase." Addressing the necessity of ending long-standing hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, the Hezbollah leader insisted on a total cessation of aggressive actions. Qassem emphasized that the path forward requires an immediate end to all violations of Lebanese sovereignty. "Israel has no choice but to fully withdraw from Lebanon and end its land, sea, and air attacks," he said.
Resistance and Iranian Support
Qassem framed this as a culmination of a long-term struggle, stating, "Israel sought to occupy Lebanon as part of its 'Greater Israel' project, but the resistance emerged in response to its aggression and occupation." He attributed the success of the resistance to a strong deterrent developed over years of hardship, with support from Iran. He noted that while "Israel wanted to force us from our homes, but with Iran's support, we built a strong deterrent against its attacks."
US-Iran Agreement as 'Declaration of Defeat'
Qassem framed the recent memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran as a turning point, characterizing the deal as an "official declaration of defeat" for Washington and Tel Aviv. "The enemies sought to destroy us, but they suffered a crushing defeat. The Islamic Republic stood firm against [US-Israeli] plots through the steadfast leadership and guidelines of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the sacrifices of its commanders, and the resilience of its people. Iran's recent agreement is, in effect, an official declaration of the US and Israel's defeat," he stated.
Iran's Regional Role
He further reaffirmed Iran's sovereignty, calling it a nation "shaping its own future." "Today, Iran is recognized not only as a nation shaping its own future, but also the future of the region - a region we stood by throughout years of aggression and hardship," he said, according to Press TV.
Israeli Military Action Continues
Meanwhile, Israeli military action continued in southern Lebanon. The Israeli Defence Forces eliminated six Hezbollah militants, who the IDF claimed "posed a threat" to soldiers operating in the security zone. In a post on X, the IDF stated: "Six Hezbollah terrorists who posed a threat to IDF soldiers operating in the Security Zone. In Zawtar al-Sharqiya, IDF troops identified 5 Hezbollah terrorists who posed a threat to them, and in an additional incident in the Ali al-Taher Ridge, an armed Hezbollah terrorist was identified. The terrorists were eliminated to remove the threat."
Diplomatic Talks in Washington
Concurrently, talks are ongoing in Washington between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors about establishing pilot zones, where the Israeli military is supposed to withdraw and the Lebanese army is supposed to deploy, as per Al Jazeera.
