Hawzah News Agency- Speaking Friday during a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the 2006 victory of the July War, Sheikh Qassem said the Lebanese Resistance retaliated on March 2, 2026, to the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, adding that the response reflected "the pain we endured for 15 months." He said the Resistance had prevented the Israeli occupation from achieving its objectives and "is moving forward with its choices."
Addressing those betting on surrender, Sheikh Qassem said, "they are betting on a mirage and do not know the Resistance well, as it endures and remains patient," adding, "We are faced with options that we cannot accept when they lead to surrender and collapse."
Sheikh Qassem strongly criticized the "framework agreement" reached through direct talks between the Lebanese government and the Israeli occupation, saying, "It is neither an agreement nor a framework."
He said the "framework agreement" amounted to Israeli dictates written in Israeli ink and signed by the Lebanese government, giving "Israel" everything it wants. He accused the Lebanese authorities of being directed by the United States and seeking to "whitewash their record" and fulfill commitments made when they came to power.
Sheikh Qassem said that anyone who saw the scene in Washington under the title of the "framework agreement" would have seen only one side, which was clearly the US-Israeli side. He said the Lebanese side had been subordinate throughout the process, implementing what Washington dictates and what "Israel" wants.
He further argued that the "framework agreement" voluntarily and submissively deprived the Lebanese authorities of their right to pursue the Israeli occupation through the courts.
Sheikh Qassem challenged those defending the negotiations to identify a single achievement resulting from the seven rounds of direct talks with the Israeli occupation. He said the fundamental problem with the process lies first in the direct negotiations, through which "Israel" is given what it wants in advance, and secondly in the substance of the agreement itself.
Sheikh Qassem called on the Lebanese government to acknowledge its failure and to establish a unified position capable of providing strength and protection. He urged the authorities to use all of Lebanon’s available means, including Resistance, unity, capabilities, and sovereignty, to confront the Israeli occupation.
He also questioned the Lebanese government’s acceptance of the repeated humiliation of the Lebanese Army and its exposure to Israeli attacks, asking, "What is this invention that you called pilot zones?" He stressed that Hezbollah does not believe in these negotiations.
Sheikh Qassem urged the Lebanese government to reverse "this sin, this shameful mistake, this humiliating mistake, the mistake that wastes away Lebanese sovereignty," warning that the process raises questions about what Lebanese officials are doing and what commitments they have made.
He stressed that Lebanon should not accept violations of its sovereignty or allow "Israel" to continue its actions while US tutelage determines the country’s fate. He said, "the sacrifices we made are connected to our position, which we reaffirm and which will continue, and every sacrifice we made is an act of faith and will... There is no parity in strength, but we will not surrender."
Sheikh Qassem also mentioned that the memorandum of understanding reached in Islamabad had curbed Israeli aggression and compelled the Israeli occupation to reduce escalation despite its continued actions. He stressed that the Islamabad agreement had allowed people in Lebanon to return to their homes.
He affirmed Hezbollah’s commitment to maintaining internal stability and ensuring shelter and assistance for displaced people, as well as repairing damage, stressing that the state bears responsibility for these matters.
Addressing supporters of the resistance, Sheikh Qassem said, "We will die for you, and we will fight to the last drop of blood and will not leave you," adding, "Hold your anger in your chests and prepare to unleash it when the time comes to achieve your goals and demands."
"Let whoever tries to act against the Resistance and the people of the Resistance bear the consequences."
Sheikh Qassem said one of the outcomes of the Operation People of Might, despite its difficulties and every crime carried out by "Israel," was the agreement reached on November 27, 2024. He said the agreement remains valid and should continue to serve as the framework governing the situation.
Sheikh Qassem accused the Lebanese government of focusing solely on the weapons of the Resistance and turning its attention toward Hezbollah instead of holding "Israel" accountable for failing to comply with its obligations.
Source: Al Mayadeen
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