Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem speaking in September 2025. (Credit: Al-Manar screenshot)
Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem said Thursday, on the eve of Ashura commemorations, that "the Islamic resistance has dazzled the world," saying the world "is not used to seeing this kind of patience capable of overturning the balance of power."
According to him, this patience "creates the future and breaks the tyranny of oppressors."
Addressing supporters of the "Resistance," he added: "We learn patience from you," stressing that "during this period we want to move to a new foundational stage in order to keep pace with upcoming developments and learn from past experience."
Qassem has repeatedly warned Lebanese leaders against direct negotiations with Israel and the government's decision to disarm the militant party, raising the threat of internal divisions.
Since Tuesday, Beirut and Tel Aviv have been discussing in Washington a U.S.-backed proposal under which Israeli occupation forces would transfer "pilot zones" in currently occupied territories to the Lebanese Army, which could be a step toward restoring Lebanese control over these regions.
Sheikh Qassem emphasized "the jihad of patience," "one of the foundations" that Hezbollah has sought to "establish and anchor" during the previous days of Ashura.
According to him, "patience is the path we have chosen; it is stronger than fighting and is an essential step toward victory." "You, the supporters of the resistance, we learn patience from you. Patience is a choice. This choice requires a struggle against oneself in order to make the right decision and display resolve," he continued.
Ashura commemorates the massacre of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and 72 members of his family and supporters by the Umayyad Caliphate during the Battle of Karbala in 680.
