Hezbollah Official: Israel Won't Remain in South Lebanon, Withdrawal is Key
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem declared that Israel will not be able to stay in southern Lebanon and that its withdrawal is the necessary first step for any resolution. He stated that Hezbollah has nothing to offer in terms of concessions as they are the victims of aggression. Qassem also addressed internal Lebanese matters, expressing readiness for dialogue on issues like arms control and the economy within constitutional limits. He further praised Iraq's efforts in expelling American forces and confronting ISIS.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hezbollah official Naim Qassem stated Israel will not remain in southern Lebanon and must withdraw.
- Qassem rejected calls for concessions, saying Hezbollah has nothing to offer as they are aggressed upon.
- Hezbollah is ready for internal Lebanese dialogue on arms, economy, and coexistence within constitutional limits.
- The Lebanese government seeks state control of arms, which Hezbollah rejects before Israeli withdrawal.
- Qassem praised Iraq for expelling US forces and confronting ISIS, calling them capable of expelling any occupiers.
Naim Qassem, the Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah, stated on Tuesday that Israel "will not be able to remain in southern Lebanon, not even for a while," asserting that any resolution to the situation there must begin with an Israeli withdrawal. He emphasized that the "resistance, which has stood firm with its people, has managed to present a legend of resilience throughout this period of continuous aggression, especially in the last two years." Qassem rejected calls for concessions, stating, "We have nothing to offer because we are the aggressed upon, and there are agreements the enemy has not adhered to." He added that the solution "begins with the enemy's humiliating exit, the Israeli enemy and with it the American who supports it with all its might to attack our region." Qassem affirmed that Hezbollah "sees no other solutions" in this context. Regarding internal Lebanese affairs, Qassem indicated Hezbollah's readiness to cooperate within constitutional frameworks, free from "American and non-American guardianship dictates." He proposed understanding based on the constitution and laws to address issues including "arms control, the economy, jobs, coexistence, and depositors' funds." The Lebanese government insists on state control of all weapons and its authority over its territory, while Hezbollah refuses to disarm before a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. In a separate matter, Qassem praised the Iraqi people, their leadership, the Popular Mobilization Forces, armed groups, and various segments of society for successfully expelling American forces from Iraq. He also commended Iraq's role in confronting ISIS, stating that the Iraqi people are "qualified to expel occupiers, whoever they may be," to ensure Iraq remains "independent, dignified, and strong."
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
