Qassem says 'resistance enshrined in constitution', claims Israel and US 'weaker than ever'
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem stressed Tuesday that "no one can dictate to Lebanon that it harm its defense capabilities," warning that "disarmament serves the interests of Israel and America, not the state."
He added: "If the Lebanese state wants to strengthen itself and build a future for our generations, it needs the resistance to support it, because it possesses experience and will. This places a responsibility on the state to see how the resistance can stand alongside it and how it can benefit from its capabilities."
Qassem also emphasized that "the resistance conforms to the National Pact," citing the third paragraph of the Taif Agreement, which calls for "taking all necessary measures to liberate all Lebanese territory from Israeli occupation, spreading state sovereignty over all its territories, and deploying the Lebanese Army in the border area adjacent to Israel."
He stated: "Our resistance in Lebanon is a jihad in the path of God, a repelling of aggression, and a protection of the land, honor, dignity, and pride. It is legitimate and sanctioned by God Almighty."
Qassem also suggested that "Israel is weaker today than ever before, despite all its capabilities and international support, and has failed to achieve its goals in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran and Yemen."
He added that "America is also weaker today than ever before; it is not accumulating achievements but rather enemies and peoples who do not want it."
Qassem also said that what matters is that Israel "remain without borders and without stability."
"The steadfastness of the Palestinians, and our own steadfastness, is in itself preventing the enemy from achieving its goals," he added.
Source: Naharnet
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