Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem speaking on Dec. 5, 2024. (Credit: Screenshot from al-Manar TV)
In a speech broadcast on Thursday, Hezbollah Secretary-General sheikh Naim Qassem said the group would support the Syrian regime "within its means" to counter what he described as an act of aggression, referring to the surprise offensive launched on Nov. 27 by rebels, including the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
"The aggression in Syria is backed by the United States and Israel. These takfiri [radical Sunni] groups are tools they use to try to destroy Syria. We will stand by Syria within our means to stop this aggression," Qassem said. "We are facing a dangerous Israeli expansionist project, and I call on everyone to support the resistance against Israel. Any Israeli victory is a loss for you, Syria and Lebanon."
Over the past week, rebels led by HTS have seized dozens of towns, most of northern Aleppo and the city of Hama. The Syrian regime, with military backing from Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, had recaptured much of the country by 2015, including eastern Aleppo in 2016, which had been under rebel control since 2012.
At the start of his speech, Qassem, who succeeded assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, reflected on the challenges faced by Hezbollah since its founding in 1982. He described the group as "severely tested" during its recent conflict with Israel. "We endured one of the most dangerous phases since our creation 42 years ago, in 1982. We faced a savage and criminal aggression that affected the Resistance fighters, as well as the whole of Lebanon," he said. "Through this aggression, the enemy [Israel] tried to break the Resistance and eliminate its presence. But the Resistance stood its ground and confronted it."
The 'victory'
"We have endured 64 days of sacrifice, pain, martyrdom and injury with patience and determination, placing our trust in God," Qassem stated. "Our resistance remains steadfast and will shine even brighter. We have won because our people remain faithful. We have triumphed because the Israeli enemy did not achieve its objectives. This constitutes a defeat for them. We have won because national unity has prevailed, and attempts to sow division have failed."
Qassem outlined three factors behind Hezbollah’s claimed "victory." The first, he said, was the presence and determination of resistance fighters on the ground, which he described as having "stunned the world." Their courage and sacrifices, he added, "halted the Israeli advance, while drones and rockets hit their targets in Tel Aviv, Haifa and the northern regions of occupied Palestine." The second factor, he continued, was the blood of martyrs, particularly the sacrifices inspired by leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, which galvanized fighters to persevere. The third was the restoration of command and control structures.
Addressing the cease-fire agreement that took effect on Nov. 27 after nearly two months of a full-scale war, Qassem said it was a "measure to implement Resolution 1701 ... It’s not a new agreement, but it does require Israel to withdraw and cease its aggression," he said. Resolution 1701, which was passed after the 2006 war in Lebanon, calls for Israel's withdrawal and prohibits the presence of armed groups south of the Litani River.
"The agreement provides for an internal agreement between the Lebanese Army and the Resistance, without Israeli interference in this matter," he emphasized. Qassem added that there have been "over 60 violations" of the cease-fire by Israel, adding that it is the responsibility of Lebanese authorities to ensure compliance with the agreement. Lebanese authorities have condemned "more than 60 violations" of the cease-fire by Israel since its implementation.
57 million to 170,000 families
Acknowledging that "the Resistance has suffered serious wounds," Qassem expressed confidence in the group's recovery, stating, "It is gradually healing with time." He added, "Hezbollah remains strong due to its structures, parliamentary representation, popularity and institutions. It is a major player in the country alongside others — and it will remain so."
Qassem also attributed Hezbollah’s strength to its mission, saying, "It defends rights: the right of Palestinians to liberate their land, the right of Lebanese to liberate their land and the refusal to allow Lebanon to be used as a platform for others."
He emphasized the party's continued efforts across various domains, including politics, social services, resistance, culture and health. Qassem announced aid packages distributed and those that will be distributed to families affected by the war, noting that in November alone, "Hezbollah provided between $300 and $400 in assistance to families through donations from Iran." He added that "$57 million was distributed to more than 170,000 families."
Qassem also outlined Hezbollah’s support for those who lost their homes, stating, “For houses that have been completely destroyed and are primary residences, their owners will receive a basic $8,000 for their restoration.” He added that residents in Beirut or its southern suburbs would receive $6,000 for a year’s rent, equivalent to $500 per month, while those outside Beirut would receive $4,000 for rent over the same period. “Each person who has lost their home will therefore receive between $12,000 and $14,000 for one year,” he said, expressing gratitude to Iran, “as the majority of this sum will come as a monetary gift from the Islamic Republic.”
Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that over 580,000 displaced people in Lebanon returned to their towns and villages within 24 hours of the cease-fire. As of November 30, Lebanese authorities stated that nearly 90 percent of those displaced in collective reception centers had left, though more than 22,000 people remain in around 400 sites.