Hezbollah’s new leader Naim Qassem delivers first speech after assuming role

In his recent statements, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem expressed confidence in the group’s future success while acknowledging the challenges and sacrifices that lie ahead.

‘Israel trying to invade Lebanon’

“We have many sacrifices ahead of us, but we are confident that victory will be ours,” Qassem said. “We are not fighting on behalf of anyone, but to protect Lebanon and liberate our land, in support of Gaza,” Qassem added.

In a televised statement after assuming the role, Naim Qassem said,  “Israel trying to invade Lebanon to bring in Jewish settlers.”

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, “The legendary steadfastness of the resistance in Gaza and Lebanon will shape the future of our generations,” he said and added, “We said for 11 months that we do not want war, but we are ready to win if it is imposed on us.”

Hezbollah leader thanks Iran, Yemen and Iraq

“More than 100 martyrs in Jabalia massacre, but the world did nothing,” Qassem said. “This is an Israeli-American-European-global war aimed at eliminating the resistance in the region” he added.

Hezbollah leader Qassem praises Iran’s support, expressing gratitude to resistance movements in Yemen and Iraq.

“Israel does not need pretexts to surprise us with an attack. Israel’s aggressive intentions towards Lebanon were clear. We will remain on the path of war within the planned developments.” Qassem said.

“We are fighting for freedom of Palestine and Lebanon,” says Hezbollah leader Qassem. Hezbollah leader Qassem criticizes international community for silence on Israel’s massacre of 43,000 people in Gaza. US is orchestrating Israel‘s attacks in the region, Hezbollah leader Qassem claims.

‘We have recovered’

“Killing of Hassan Nasrallah (Hezbollah’s former leader) and explosions in pagers and radios were significant blows, but we have recovered and continue resistance,” says Qassem.

“I thank the Shura Hezbollah leadership for trusting me and choosing me for this heavy burden.” he said and added, “The Israeli enemy has been attacking Lebanon daily since 2006.”

Hezbollah aims to destroy Israel, says group’s leader Qassem.

Qassem also paid tribute to Hamas’ former leader, Yahya Sinwar, describing him as an “icon of heroism for Palestine and the free people of the world.” Qassem noted that Sinwar “resisted until his last breath.”

Who is Naim Qassem?

Hezbollah had announced on October 29 the group’s deputy secretary general would become its new head. Naim Qassem replaces the group’s longstanding leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli air strike in Beirut last month.

Qassem retained his position as deputy when Nasrallah assumed leadership of Hezbollah in 1992, continuing to serve in that role until Nasrallah’s death.

Though a prominent spokesperson for Hezbollah, Qassem is seen by many in Lebanon as lacking the charisma and authority that Nasrallah held.

Since Nasrallah’s death, Qassem has delivered three televised speeches, including one on Sept. 30, where he appeared visibly perspiring as he read prepared remarks.”