Hezbollah Prepared for Any War with Israel: Sheikh Naim Qassem

Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, said the group is ready to defend Lebanon but is not planning to start a war. He emphasized that they will only fight if forced and will defend South Lebanon “to the last man or woman.”

In an interview with Al-Manar TV, Sheikh Qassem said daily attacks by Israel are political pressure backed by the US. He warned that any war against Lebanon would fail and urged the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

He stressed that Hezbollah has strong deterrence and will prevent Israel from achieving its goals, just as in previous conflicts. He also mentioned ongoing investigations into infiltration within the group, which will be shared with the public once complete.

Sheikh Qassem said Hezbollah has handed the responsibility of defending Lebanon to the Lebanese state after the ceasefire, but criticized the government for taking little action. He warned that Hezbollah’s patience may not last much longer.

He added that Hezbollah’s fight also protects Palestine, Egypt, and Syria. He denied claims that Iran refuses to provide weapons, highlighting shared goals in resisting occupation and defending Palestine.

The Secretary-General affirmed Hezbollah will defend Lebanon “until the last breath” and said the Lebanese government should act more effectively, as current mechanisms benefit Israel.

He recalled coordinating with late leaders Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashim Safi al-Din during Israel’s 2024 war, emphasizing that Hezbollah operates as a collective organization, not around a single leader.