Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hezbollah’s new leader delivered his first public speech this Wednesday, declaring firm support for Gaza against Israel.
This Wednesday, Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hezbollah’s newly appointed secretary-general, delivered his first public address, pledging to continue the resistance against Israel and expressing full support for Gaza.
Taking the place of longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed early this month by Israel, vowed to continue with power the mission that Nasrallah started.
Asserting that Hezbollah would address critical regional challenges, the new Hezbollah leader said: “We face many sacrifices ahead, but we are confident that victory will be ours. Today, in Gaza, Lebanon, and across the region, we are facing a significant project aimed at confronting the resistance.”
Qassem also expressed full support for Gaza and described it as an obligation to counter Israel’s regional influence, which he said poses a threat to the peace and stability of the whole region.
“Supporting Gaza was essential to confront Israel’s threat to the entire region,” he stated.
Describing his new role as “a heavy responsibility” entrusted upon him by Hezbollah’s Shura Council, Qassem paid tribute to notable Hezbollah figures, including Nasrallah and the late Sayyed Abbas al-Moussawi. “This duty is a legacy of those who came before me,” he said.
“My work program is a continuation of the work programme of our leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah,” he also noted.
Hezbollah’s new leader addressed the US and Israel directly!
Qassem then addressed both Israel and the US directly. To the American ambassador in Lebanon, he said, “You will not witness the defeat of the resistance—not even in your dreams.” In response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent promise of an “absolute victory against Hezbollah,” Qassem also said: “we promise you absolute defeat. You will not bring settlers back to the north; more of them will be displaced.”
Qassem acknowledged that Israel’s assassination of Nasrallah and other senior Hezbollah figures dealt the group a “painful” blow, but he said Hezbollah “has started to recover by filling the gaps, appointing alternative leaders and commencing work to organize everything.”
Referring to Iran’s role in supporting Gaza, Qassem said Tehran “provides support without seeking anything in return”, underscoring that Hezbollah’s actions are driven by Lebanese interests. He welcomed support from any nation aligned with Hezbollah’s mission against Israel, noting no Arab state has provided arms to assist their cause.
The new Hezbollah leader also honored late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, describing him as an icon of resistance whose lifelong courage deeply impacted both his comrades and his enemies. “Sinwar frightened the enemy both in captivity and in freedom,” he said, calling him a “legend of resilience.”