Beirut – Every year on the 25th of May, Lebanon and the Arab and Islamic world observe the Resistance and Liberation Day which marks the historic “Israeli” defeat and withdrawal from Lebanon in the year 2000.
After long years of occupation, “Israeli” enemy forces were forced by the Lebanese Resistance to evacuate their positions and hastily escape from Lebanon towards occupied Palestine.
This humiliating withdrawal under the strikes of the Islamic Resistance [Hezbollah] marked the first defeat of “Israeli” forces in Lebanon and the Arab world.
The “Israelis” along with the western world, mainly the US, have worked for long time to deeply entrench in the Arab conscience that “Israel” is immune to all criticism and vetoes, and its army is an invincible one that has supremacy over all Arab armies.
They wanted to convince people that any resistance to “Israel” is futile and would definitely lose.
The United Nations and the Security Council have never done anything to help Lebanon get rid of the “Israeli” occupation.
The UN resolution 425, which provides that “Israel” should withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories, was there for more than two decades; no real or serious effort has been exercised to put this international resolution into implementation.
The Lebanese people, especially in south Lebanon and west Beqaa, waited years and years without any hope. The Lebanese government and state did not provide them with any help to defend themselves, so they were forced to start the defense by themselves.
Back in 1978, Imam Sayyed Moussa Sadr was the first to start the military resistance against “Israel”. Ever since then, this resistance started to grow bigger and stronger until it reached where it is now.
Our resistance has become mightier, stronger and more efficient that it is capable now, not only of producing formulas of liberation, security and deterrence, but also of posing an existential threat to the very existence of the “Israeli” entity.
The Resistance now has extended its presence and upgraded its efficiency. The Resistance now has an axis that stretches from Gaza to Sanaa, passing through Lebanon, Syria and Iraq reaching to Iran.
The capabilities are important and extremely efficient to stand up to all challenges, be it military, security or economic ones.
The “Israeli” entity and its allies have to make recalculations for all their conspiracies and plots.
History has made its shift and it is a major one. This shift is in favor of the region and its people and not in favor of the apartheid “Israeli” state and its allies.
The whole region now is at the eve of a new historical epoch that might usher in a new era. This era of triumph and steadfastness has one simple strong title; the Resistance.
On Resistance and Liberation Day, Hezbollah Secretary General, Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah, addressed the recent threats made by Zionist officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, against Lebanon and the entire axis of resistance.
He strongly emphasized that such a “Great War” would ultimately lead the Israelis to their own downfall.
During a televised speech on the Resistance and Liberation Day, Sayyed Nasrallah urged the Zionist officials to avoid making miscalculations in Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, Palestine, Syria, and Iran.
He made it clear that it is not Hezbollah but the Zionist officials who should be cautious, stating, “Wait! We are the ones who threaten to wage a great war.” He warned that their recklessness could potentially ignite the entire region and pave the way for a disastrous conflict, referred to as the “Great War.” “Your follies, not ours, might blow up the entire region and lead to the Great War,” he said.
Sayyed Nasrallah stated that in the event of an all-out war initiated by the Zionist enemy, there will be an influx of hundreds of thousands of highly skilled fighters onto the battlefields. He emphasized that all borders would be opened, citing a humanitarian advantage over the Israelis in this context.
Sayyed Nasrallah indicated that the Zionist officials withdrew their intimidation after realizing that it has troubled the Zionist settlers, caused a dollar price hike, and threatened the touristic activities.
‘Israel’ must know none of the axis of resistance groups and states is afraid of it
Sayyed Nasrallah discussed several significant geopolitical developments that have shaped the conflict with the Israeli enemy. He emphasized that the axis of resistance has successfully maintained deterrence strategies tailored to each front, including Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Iran.
Regarding the recent Israeli aggression on Gaza, Sayyed Nasrallah highlighted that the deterrence formula remained unchanged, leading the Israeli enemy to issue threats against Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and the Palestinian people. However, he pointed out that the Zionist officials retreated from their intimidation tactics after witnessing Hezbollah’s military maneuvers.
The Hezbollah leader also noted the failure of the US-Zionist plot to impose normalization deals on Arab regimes without considering the will of the Arab people. He emphasized that even the conspiracy to bring the regional countries under Israeli influence was bound to fail, as victorious resistance groups emerged in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
In addition, Sayyed Nasrallah underscored the significant advancements made by Hezbollah and the entire axis of resistance in terms of materialistic, financial, and military development. He specifically highlighted the remarkable progress achieved in the fields of drones and rockets.
Sayyed Nasrallah also drew attention to the deep divisions within Israeli society and the vulnerability of their so-called home front, which undermines solidarity among the groups and states within the axis of resistance.
An important transformation highlighted by Sayyed Nasrallah is the Israelis’ increasing tendency to seek ways to avoid direct confrontation.
Emphasizing the role of human determination in achieving victories, Sayyed Nasrallah emphasized that the axis of resistance relies on this factor to uphold values of bravery and sacrifice.
Sayyed Nasrallah depicted contrasting images of the devout resistance youth and the disillusioned younger generation in Israel. He mentioned that Netanyahu had acknowledged a decade ago that Zionist youths were disengaging from Zionism.
Furthermore, Sayyed Nasrallah underscored the loss of influential leaders within the Zionist entity, in contrast to the overwhelming confidence placed in resistance leaders, movements, and states. He noted that the people within the axis of resistance are willing to sacrifice the lives of their children for this cause.
In response to accusations from America and Israel, Sayyed Nasrallah clarified that the components of the axis of resistance are defenders of their original homelands, not mere proxy groups. He contrasted this with the Zionists, whom he characterized as intruders and occupiers in the region.
Hezbollah Chief reiterated that Palestine will be liberated and that “we will pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque”.
The Secretary General of Hezbollah emphasized that the Israelis are apprehensive about the waning influence of US hegemony in the region and the world at large. He stated that the axis of resistance, which stood against the American era, will benefit from a new world system based on multipolarism.
Sayyed Nasrallah pointed out that the US retreat and failures have compelled them to reassess their presence and role in the region.
He tackled the strategic changes brought about by the achievements of the resistance in the past few decades, briefly mentioning the demise of the Zionist aspiration for a “Greater Israel” extending from the Nile to the Euphrates in 2000 and 2005 (referring to the Liberation of Southern Lebanon and Gaza, respectively).
Furthermore, he emphasized that even the Zionist objective of maintaining a “Greater Israel” was shattered in 2006 when Hezbollah defeated the Israeli military and in 2008 when the Palestinian resistance overcame Israeli forces in Gaza.
“Israel now hides behind walls and firepower, becoming incapable of imposing its terms in negotiations with the Palestinian people,” remarked Sayyed Nasrallah.
He affirmed that the conflict with the Zionist enemy is ongoing, with the Israelis making daily attempts to attack their territories.
Lebanon
Sayyed Nasrallah reassured that the Israeli feebleness grants Lebanon a larger extent of peace and security which would allow them to pursue their concerns.
In this regard, Sayyed Nasrallah indicated that the Lebanese would be able to follow up the maritime gas extraction project, adding that reports indicate a serious progress pertaining this file.
His eminence added that developing the touristic sector and attracting tourists requires peace and security in order to cope with the socioeconomic crisis.
Sayyed Nasrallah stressed that the Resistance is capable to protect Lebanon’s peace and security, adding that the army-people-resistance formula contribute to achieving this goal.
Concerning the presidential elections, Sayyed Nasrallah cited a positive regional atmosphere and called for further contacts and negotiations without preconditions in order to elect a new president.
Sayyed Nasrallah stressed that addressing the BDL governor issue can be addressed through either a personal decision taken by Riad Salameh to resign or a judicial procedure that sacks him, noting the caretaker government cannot take any measure in this regard according to the Constitution.
Pertaining the Syrian refugees file, Sayyed Nasrallah reiterated his call on the government to send a high-ranking delegation to Damascus in order to hold talks about this issue.
Hezbollah Secretary General had started his speech by felicitating the Lebanese people on the 23rd anniversary of Resistance and Liberation Day, stressing that it is a great occasion which recalls a majestic victory.
Sayyed Nasrallah thanked Holy God and hailed the sacrifices made by the Resistance martyrs, injured, prisoners and fighters which contributed to the liberation victory.
Sayyed Nasrallah underscored the role of the other Lebanese and Palestinian resistance factions in addition to the role of the Lebanese Army and Security Forces in reaching this victory, greeting the Lebanese statesmen, politicians and parties which contributed to the feat.
Sayyed Nasrallah hailed the Islamic Republic of Iran and Syria for supporting the Resistance during its fight against the Zionist occupation.
His eminence underlined the importance of conveying the experience of pride to the new generations in order to let them know about the occasion and keep committed to the Resistance that protects this victory.
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Hassan Nasrallah also hailed the ‘failure’ of a US-Israeli normalization plan with Arab states and called on Lebanon’s wanted central bank governor to step down
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah addresses supporters through a screen during a religious procession to mark Ashura in Beirut’s suburbs, Lebanon 9 August, 2022. (Photo credit: REUTERS/Aziz Taher)
During a televised speech commemorating the 23rd anniversary of Lebanon’s Resistance and Liberation Day, Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah responded to recent Israeli threats against the resistance, highlighting that “hundreds of thousands of resistance fighters across the region are ready to fight against [Tel Aviv].”
“You cannot threaten us with a large-scale war; it is us who are threatening you with such warfare … Your follies, not ours, might blow up the entire region and lead to the Great War,” Nasrallah said, adding that Israeli leaders should “be careful and not make wrong calculations.”
“The resistance is expanding by the day and has witnessed a great [positive] change in its financial and military capability,” he added.
Nasrallah also asserted that the resistance’s battle against Tel Aviv would continue until the complete liberation of Lebanon, whose Shebaa Farms have been under occupation since 1967.
“Anybody who thinks that the battle against the enemy is over has been afflicted with hallucination since a part of our soil is still under occupation,” he said.
The resistance leader reviewed recent geopolitical shifts in West Asia that have increasingly isolated Israel, stressing that “the Israeli military defeats and the US retreat policy in the region have affected the Zionist entity negatively.”
“Axis of Resistance fighters are defending their homeland; they are not proxy groups, while the Zionists are intruders and occupiers,” the Hezbollah chief further said, highlighting Israel is “hiding behind walls of fire” and is incapable of enforcing conditions in any negotiations with the Palestinians.
Nasrallah also hailed the “failure” of a “US-Israeli plot” to impose normalization with various Arab states, saying this ignored the wishes of the Arab people.
“The circumstances are [rather] moving towards [the emergence of] a multi-polar world, and this is the exact thing that has made Israel fearful,” he stated.
Elsewhere in his speech, the Hezbollah leader took aim at Lebanon’s wanted Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh, saying he should either step down or be stripped of his responsibilities.
“In Hezbollah, we believe that there are two options. The first is for the governor to step down of his own volition,” Nasrallah said. The second, he added, is for the judiciary to take legal steps against Salameh and relieve him from his post.
Nasrallah’s remarks were the first time he called for Salameh’s resignation. Several government officials have made similar calls, but a Monday cabinet meeting did not make a formal decision, as caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati continues to protect the embattled central bank chief.
On Wednesday, Salameh was questioned by a Lebanese judge, and his Lebanese and French passports were confiscated following an arrest warrant from France over corruption charges.
Lebanon has also received an arrest warrant from Germany for Salameh, while last week, Interpol issued a red notice alert against the bank chief.
On a fateful Friday, May 26, 2000, Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah boldly proclaimed in the border town of Bint Jbeil that “Israel is weaker than a spider web.”
The profound resonance of this statement still echoes today, initially puzzling many observers who questioned how ‘Israel’, renowned for its “invincible” military, could be likened to a delicate spider web.
However, over the course of 23 years since Sayyed Nasrallah’s seminal speech, Lebanon’s Hezbollah has undergone a series of pivotal changes, resulting in adopting tactics of both offensive and defensive urban warfare.
Illustrative image prepared by Al-Mnaar showing Sayyed Nasrallah on May 27, 2000 talking about ‘Israel’ being weaker than a spider web.
Following the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982, Hezbollah emerged as a resistance movement, focused primarily on defending Lebanon against Israeli aggression.
The unstoppable operations forced the Israeli occupation to withdraw from Beirut and then from Sidon to the so-called security zone in the south in 1985. The Lebanese resistance group then repelled the Israeli attacks in 1993 and 1996. Hezbollah forced the Israelis out of Lebanon later in May 2000, and confronted a 33-day war on the country in 2006.
Former Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Abbas Al-Moussawi with Hezbollah resistance fighters.
Throughout 24 years (from 1982 till 2006), Hezbollah was confined to a defensive posture. Although many confrontations were seen as offensive, including firing rockets at the occupied territories in 1996 and in 2006, the Lebanese resistance was aiming at imposing balance of deterrence against the Israeli enemy. Therefore, the aim was merely defensive.
Since 2006, Hezbollah undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a well-trained force on the offensive.
The ‘Grand Surprise’
In August 2007, the first anniversary of 2006 July war, Hezbollah Secretary General promised the “grand surprise that will change the balance of powers in any future war.”
Year after another, the Zionist entity became certain that the grand surprise was Hezbollah fighters’ invasion of the occupied Galilee, something which was openly announced by Sayyed Nasrallah in January 2019, when he said that “Israeli is aware that Hezbollah can invade Galilee.”
Such surprise means a lot in terms of Hezbollah’s shift in military strategies, especially regarding the transformation from state of defense to state of offense, a transformation that will basically result in a dramatic shift in the power dynamics between the Lebanese resistance group and the Zionist entity.
The video below shows Hezbollah fighters simulating attack on Israeli occupied territory during a maneuver staged by the Lebanese resistance group on Sunday, May 21, 2023, in south Lebanon.
Syrian War
Away from expectations and estimations, Hezbollah’s involvement in the war in Syria presented major shift in transforming from the defense to the offense.
Throughout several years, between 2013 and 2018 Hezbollah launched many offensives against Takfiri terrorists across Syria in Al-Qusayr, Homs, Aleppo, Al-Qalamoun and Arsal outskirts.
The tweet below was by Lebanese reporter Nada Andraos who shared a video of Hezbollah fighters taking over a militray post occupied by Nusra Front Takfiris in Arsal outskirts.
The wide-scale operational engagement in Syria has exposed the Lebanese resistance group to advanced weaponry, operational planning, advanced command and control systems.
The operational experience Hezbollah gained during the years of fighting in Syria has enhanced its organizational, professional and command capabilities to include, among others, management of long-term fighting, upgrading low- and high-intensity fighting, and operation of advanced systems, all of which can contribute to offensive tactics.
Hezbollah’s tactics have been always an issue of concern for the Israeli decision makers, with both Hezbollah’s ‘grand surprise’ and expertise accumulated from the Syrian war being recalled.
Megiddo Bombing
In the last weeks, Israeli officials have been ramping up a threatening rhetoric against Hezbollah. Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate Chief Aharon Haliva warned last Monday (May 22) at a conference in Herzliya, that Sayyed Nasrallah was “close to making a mistake that could spark a regional war.”
In this context, Haliva cited an incident last March at Megiddo Junction, some 60 kms away from the border between Lebanon and occupied Palestine, where an Israeli man was seriously injured. Israeli occupation claims that the blast was a result of an alleged infiltration orchestrated by Hezbollah.
Scene of a bomb blast at Megiddo junction in occupied Palestine (Monday, March 13, 2023).
Hezbollah declined to comment on the incident, with Sayyed Nasrallah saying the bombing “confused Israel,” and that the group’s silence “is part of the political, media, military, and psychological battle” with the Israeli occupation.
Haliva, during Monday’s remarks said “the story of the terrorist at the Megiddo Junction isn’t a one-off.”
The Israeli official voiced concern that Hezbollah could be preparing for other infiltration attempts, moves that couldn’t be tolerated by the Zionist entity and could be seen as another aspect of Hezbollah transforming into an offensive power.
Hezbollah’s transformation from a defensive force to an offensive one represents a significant paradigm shift in the region’s power dynamics. The Lebanese resistance group has emerged as a formidable player capable of snatching the title of invincibility from ‘Israel’.
Hezbollah Secretary General His Eminence Sayyed Nasrallah delivered on Thursday a speech as Lebanon celebrates the 23rd anniversary of the Resistance and Liberation Day.
At the beginning of his televised speech, Sayyed Nasrallah viewed that that ‘Resistance and Liberation Day’ is a great occasion that reminds of the great victory that was achieved in Lebanon. “The Resistance and Liberation Day is a great occasion that recalls the majestic victory which was achieved in Lebanon on this day.”
He further congratulated the Lebanese people on the beautiful and dear occasion. In addition, His Eminence thanked the Lebanese Army, the Security Forces, the Palestinian factions, and all presidents and political powers that supported the resistance, and thanks Iran and Syria who supported and are still supporting the resistance and all its leaders
Moreover, the Resistance Leader thanked all those who contributed to the victory a top of whom are the martyrs, the wounded, the liberated detainees, the Mujahideen and all their families.
Sayyed Nasrallah also thanked all the people who remained defiant and embraced, supported, and protected the resistance in all the Lebanese regions especially South Lebanon and Beqaa.
“After the withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, and the withdrawal from Gaza, there is nothing called ‘Great Israel’,” he said, noting that “Today, ‘Israel’ hides behind walls and fire, and it’s unable to impose its conditions in any negotiations with the Palestinian people.”
Meanwhile, His Eminence underlined that “Those who suspect that the battle against our enemy has finished are mistaken as there is part of our land which is still under occupation.”
Sayyed Nasrallah highlighted the necessity of commemorating this occasion by saying: “The Lebanese generations and all people must be reminded that this victory was not granted, but was instead an outcome of long years of sacrifices.”
He also warned that Some sides seek to waste the achieved victory. “We have to prevent this.”
In addition, Hezbollah Secretary General clarified that “Our struggle dates back to May 17, which means the wrong choices, and May 15, which is the Day of Nakba, and reaches May 25th, which represents the right choices.”
“After the withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, and the withdrawal from Gaza, there is nothing called ‘Great Israel’,” he confirmed, noting that “The occupation entity’s transformations, which was supposed to be strong and dominant, are the results of the long struggle and the history of sacrifices.”
Sayyed Nasrallah went on to say: “‘Israel’ has no interest in a multipolar world, but rather a one-pole world led by the US.”
“‘Israel’s’ internal division comes at a time the resistance axis enjoys great cohesion and steadfastness,” he stressed, pointing out that “Among the goals of the global war on Syria was to oust it from the axis of resistance.”
According to His Eminence, “The Iranian president’s positions during his latest visit to Syria after 12 years of global war on it confirm the coherence of the axis of resistance.”
Regarding the axis of the resistance’s strength, the Resistance Leader assured that “The pillar of resistance is the human, who believes in his cause and right and who possesses bravery and daring. The axis of resistance has an excellent human capacity as well as spirit in Gaza, Al-Quds, the West Bank, and the entire region.”
Commenting on the recent “Israeli” threats, Sayyed Nasrallah sent sounding messages: “The ‘Israeli’ has miscalculations if he thinks that the great war will be with the Palestinians only or the Lebanese only.
He further responded to “Israeli” PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s threats, by affirming: “You are not the ones who threaten with the great war, but we are the ones threatening you with it.”
On this level, His Eminence unveiled that “Any great war will include all borders and its areas and fields will be narrowed by hundreds of thousands of fighters, and we have tremendous superiority when we tackle the human aspect.”
Moving to the disturbed “Israeli” internal arena, Sayyed Nasrallah explained that “Today, there is a loss of confidence in the entity’s institutions, while our people have overwhelming confidence in the resistance leaders, movements, and countries, as they are ready to sacrifice the lives of their children in this path.”
“One of our strong points is the ‘Israeli’ enemy’s internal front, which is facing an ideological retreat,” he stated, noting that “One of the important transformations is that the ‘Israeli’ internal front is weak and feeble, and that the ‘Israelis’ are ready and seek to flee.”
His Eminence also viewed that “There is hope more than ever to liberate Palestine from the river to the sea. The enemy’s entity has lost its historic leaders.”
Assuring that the deterrence equation is what protects Lebanon, the Resistance Leader asserted that “The ‘Israelis’ backtracked their latest threats due to fear in the settlements and after Hezbollah’s latest wargames. Netanyahu has failed to restore deterrence through the latest Gaza confrontation. ‘Israel’ resorted to escalating its rhetoric after the failure in Gaza.”
On this level, he urged the “Israeli” enemy’s premier, war minister and army chief to be careful and not to make wrong calculations.
“We’re confident and certain that Palestine will be liberated and that we will pray in Al-Aqsa Mosque, as the occupying entity is moving towards demise,” His Eminence reiterated, noting that “Among the major transformations is the development of the resistance’s military capabilities, an example of which is what we have in Lebanon.”
Sayyed Nasrallah estimated that “The one who should fear the great war is ‘Israel’,” underlining that “The ‘Israelis’ failed to strengthen their deterrence and realized that they would pay the price for every attack.”
Moreover, he disclosed that “The “Israelis” retreated from their threats because of the decline in the touristic activity and the ‘shekel’ against the dollar.”
“The enemy must fear, pay attention and not be dragged to any miscalculation by committing any mistake in any country that might lead to a great war,” he added, noting that “The great war in the region will move the ‘Israeli” entity to the abyss and to its demise.”
To “Israel”, Sayyed Nasrallah sent a clear threat “The ‘Israelis’ must know that none of the resistance movements fears them. Any mistake might blow up the entire region.”
Calling on all Lebanese to put bickering aside amid the presence of a true protection umbrella for Lebanon. The resistance Leader underscored that “The ‘army, people and resistance’ equation protected Lebanon as security remains a prerequisite for any economic and political treatment.”
He also viewed that “The ‘Israeli’ entity managed to normalize relations with some Arab regimes, but it was unable to normalize relations with the Arab people. The occupation realized that the Arab regimes are incapable of imposing normalization on their people.”
Moving to the internal Lebanese arena, Sayyed Nasrallah called again the Lebanese to return to dialogue to address their crises. “The regional equations call for optimism,” he added.
His Eminence commented on the issue of ‘the Banque du Liban’s’ Governor: Either he steps down himself or the judiciary takes responsibility because the caretaker government doesn’t have the authority to remove him
“The issue of the Syrian refugees can be resolved through a decision to send a Lebanese government’s delegation to Syria,” he said.
On the presidential file, Hezbollah Secretary General concluded: “Further dialogue and contacts are required and we call for discussing the presidential choices without preconditions.”
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رغم مرور 23 عاماً على تحرير جنوب لبنان من الاحتلال الإسرائيلي، حكايات كثيرة من الألم والتصدي والنصر لم تُروَ بعد. 25 أيار ليس عيداً لتحرير الجنوب عام 2000 فقط، بل عيد آلاف المقاومين والأهالي ممن صمدوا وتصدّوا وقهروا العصابات الصهيونية ثم جيش العدو الإسرائيلي، من العرقوب وعيناثا وحولا، ثم من بيروت والجبل والبقاع إلى صيدا والجنوب، حتى دحره إلى خلف الحدود مع فلسطين المحتلة. عظمة هذا التاريخ صنعها أبناء الأرض وأبناء المخيمات الفلسطينية. لكنها أيضاً صنيعة مئات الفدائيين العرب والأجانب، شركاء التحرير والنصر الذين جاؤوا من أصقاع العالم ليساهموا بدمائهم وأشلائهم وبعضهم بشبابه في الأسر، في استعادة الحق لأصحابه
في أحد أزقة مخيم مار الياس في بيروت، تجلس أمينة القاضي تحت ظل راية فلسطينية نُشرت فوق مسار المارة في المخيم الصغير. اعتادت الجلوس أمام منزلها في كل الأوقات، قبالة رايات حركة فتح وصور الرئيس ياسر عرفات والشهداء. اكتسبت البيروتية عادات أهل المخيم مذْ تزوجت الفدائي محمود الغربي بداية الثمانينيات وأقامت معه هنا. بعد استشهاده خلال حصار بيروت عام 1982، رفضت ابنة العشرين عاماً ترك المخيم والعودة إلى منزل أهلها مع طفليها الرضيعين. بين المخيم ومثواه، في جبانة شهداء فلسطين في شاتيلا، نذرت القاضي ما تبقّى من حياتها للقضية. ليست حالة فريدة في ذلك الزمن الذي توحّدت فيه المقاومتان الفلسطينية واللبنانية بوجه العدو الإسرائيلي. إلا أنها عايشت تجارب كانت غريبة للبعض. فدائيون من أميركا اللاتينية واليابان وأوروبا والمغرب العربي… تركوا التزاماتهم وأحباءهم ونجاحاتهم في مساقط رؤوسهم، وجاؤوا ليساهموا في تحرير لبنان وفلسطين. في الزقاق الموازي، حيث مقر الجبهة الشعبية لتحرير فلسطين، يسكن «أبو السعيد». إيراني الأصل، قاده الاجتياح الإسرائيلي الكبير عام 1982 من ألمانيا، وقرّر أن يمضي ما تبقّى من عمره هنا، موصياً بأن يدفن في مثوى شهداء فلسطين.
لم يمرّ الزمن على «الرفيق أبو السعيد». لا يزال عالقاً في «نوستالجيا» الفدائي الجاهز للالتحاق بجبهات الصراع ضد الإمبريالية والصهيونية أينما كان في العالم. وضعية الاستنفار والجهوزية المستمرة لديه منذ السبعينيات، منعته من الزواج وتأسيس عائلة. لا يزال يعرّف عن نفسه حتى الآن بأنه «مقاتل ميداني في المقاومة الفلسطينية – الجبهة الشعبية».
ينحدر «أبو السعيد» من جنوب غرب إيران. في سن المراهقة، شارك في تظاهرات أحزاب اليسار ضد نظام الشاه. لوحق واعتقل وهُدد، ما دفعه للمغادرة عام 1977 إلى ألمانيا لمتابعة دراسته. هناك، شارك بكثافة في أنشطة اتحاد الطلبة الإيرانيين ضد نظام الشاه والدول التي تدعمه وضد الإمبريالية الأميركية ودعماً للقضية الفلسطينية «لأن الطلاب الفلسطينيين كانوا ممنوعين من إقامة الأنشطة، ولا سيما الرفاق في الجبهة الشعبية لتحرير فلسطين». تحفظ ذاكرته تحركات ضد اتفاقية كامب ديفيد وزيارة الرئيس الأميركي جيمي كارتر لفرانكفورت وضد المصالح اليهودية والإيرانية والقنصلية الأميركية… أدّى «أبو السعيد» واجبه ضد الإمبريالية والصهيونية في ألمانيا بما تيسّر له. لكنّ غليله الثوري لم يُشف إلا بعدما سمع نداء منظمة التحرير الفلسطينية عبر إذاعة الوفاء، عقب اجتياح بيروت عام 1982، يقول: «يا أحرار العالم قوموا فدافعوا عن ثورتكم». من دون تفكير، لبّى النداء مع ثلاثة رفاق إيرانيين. التحق بالجبهة الشعبية في سوريا، ومنها انتقل إلى لبنان. لم يسأله قادة العسكر الذين استقبلوه عن اسمه وجنسيته لأن «هذه التفاصيل غير مهمة أمام الالتزام الأممي بقضايا الشعوب المضطهدة». اختار لقب «أبو السعيد» لأسباب لا يزال يتكتم عنها.
سريعاً، انخرط في عمليات كبرى في بيروت والجبل والجنوب، هو الذي حمل خبرة عسكرية متطورة من خدمته الإلزامية في سلاح المدرعات في الجيش الإيراني. أولى مشاركاته كانت في التصدي لتقدم الجيش الإسرائيلي من بيروت نحو الجبل. يبدو كرادار خلال استعراضه للمواقع التي تنقّل بينها. لا يزال يحفظ جبال كفرسلوان وترشيش وبراري العبادية وعاريا وقرنايل وقرصون… يروي بدقة كيف قصف بصواريخ «غراد» مواقع للاحتلال في بعبدا، وكيف رصد مقر الاستخبارات في الكحالة. يتوقف عند أولى عملياته الميدانية في تشرين الأول عام 1982: «جهّزت نفسي لعملية استشهادية بموكب إسرائيلي كان سيمر من الكحالة في اتجاه عاليه بعد رصد سابق لأيام وتحديد الهدف عند مفترق شويت. سرت من أحراج رأس المتن باتجاه العبادية. مرّت آلية فيها جنديان، فانقضضت عليهما وأفرغت رشاشي فيهما». العملية الثانية البارزة، كانت في عام 1983 ضد حافلة تقلّ جنوداً إسرائيليين، اعترف إعلام العدو بسقوط قتيلين و11 جريحاً فيها.
جئت إلى لبنان استشهادياً ونجوت مرات من الموت فكيف أعود منه حياً بإرادتي؟
لم تكتمل فرحة «أبو السعيد» بتحرير الجبل من الاحتلال الإسرائيلي. في اليوم التالي، في آب 1983، بدأت حرب الجبل. انتقل إلى جبهة أخرى. من دوحة عرمون، دكّ قاعدة الجيش الأميركي في مطار بيروت. «في إحدى المرات، ردّت بارجة نيوجرسي من شاطئ السعديات على مصادر النيران، فاستشهد رفيق يمني». عام 1988، شارك في تفجير عبوة بسيارة تقلّ عناصر استخبارات اسرائيلية في وادي بسري. وفي 27 تشرين الأول 1990، قاد عملية مراح البيرة في سفح جبل الشيخ. لأيام طويلة، تقدم مجموعته سيراً من البقاع الغربي باتجاه راشيا حتى العرقوب: «كنا استشهاديين هدفنا التسلل إلى عمق فلسطين المحتلة. وقعنا في كمين عند محور شويا – شبعا. اشتبكنا مع العدو، فسقط الشهيد طلال عطية من كفرشوبا. كان معنا التونسي محمد مقداد خليفة الذي كان مجهّزاً بثلاثة كيلوغرامات تي أن تي. تقدّم باتجاه الجنود وفجّر نفسه فيهم. اعترف العدو يومها بسقوط ستة قتلى في عملية نفّذتها مجموعة كوماندوس تابعة للجبهة الشعبية»، فيما تمكّن «أبو السعيد» ومن تبقّى من رفاقه من الانسحاب. عام 1996، شهد آخر عمليات «أبو السعيد». كان مسؤول وحدة حاولت تنفيذ عملية عند محور برعشيت ولم تفلح. توقف الأنشطة العسكرية للجبهة الشعبية لم يحبطه أو يعيده إلى بلده على غرار كثيرين من رفاقه: «جئت لأقاتل من أجل فلسطين ولبنان بوجه العدو الإسرائيلي. لذا لن أترك ساحة القتال ما دام الاستعمار والاستبداد قائميْن. في الأساس، جئت إلى لبنان استشهادياً، ونجوت مرات عدة من الموت المحتوم. فكيف أعود منه حياً بإرادتي؟».
إضافة إلى مَهماته الداخلية في «الجبهة الشعبية» كعضو لجنة مركزية، يعيش «أبو السعيد» بين صور الشهداء وملصقات العمليات وجبّانة الشهداء في شاتيلا. في مكتبه، صورة الشهيد «مظفر». لا يعرف عنه أكثر من أنه إيراني جاء من ألمانيا والتحق بالعمل الخارجي للجبهة بقيادة وديع حداد. تسلّل من الجنوب إلى فلسطين المحتلة واستشهد في عملية «سينما حين» في تل أبيب عام 1973. هناك أيضاً الإيراني شمس الدين كاظمي الذي استشهد عام 1974 في العمل الخارجي. تبادل الأسرى بين العدو وحزب الله في تموز 2008، أعاد نكء جراحه. يومها استُرجع رفات 35 شهيداً للجبهة منهم رفاق عمليات له، بينهم عطية وخليفة شهيدا عملية مراح البيرة والمغربي مصطفى قزبير. قبلهما، ودّع شهداء إيرانيين سقطوا في حرب الجبل وحرب المخيمات، منهم أحمد حسين نجاد الذي دُفن في سوريا، إضافة إلى شهداء سوريين وعراقيين ونيجيريين.
في الشارع التحتاني في عين الحلوة، يقيم أيوب صادق منذ عام 1986، باسم حركي اختاره عند التحاقه بالجبهة الشعبية لتحرير فلسطين، رمزاً للصبر والصدق. يعرفه جيرانه بـ«أيوب التونسي» نسبة إلى جنسيته. في اليوم الثالث لاجتياح 1978، وصل إلى لبنان، وشارك في الجبهات في كفرتبنيت وأرنون وحرب الجسور وحرب الجبل وشرق صيدا وحصار عين الحلوة، قبل أن يقع في الأسر في معتقلَي عتليت وأنصار. خلال الاعتقال، ترجم كتاب «مجزرة صبرا وشاتيلا» للمؤرخ الصهيوني أمنون كابليوك بعدما حصل عليه من الصليب الأحمر الدولي، ووزّع الترجمة على معسكرات المعتقلين. أشرف على أول نشرة إخبارية يومية مكتوبة وزّعها على الزنازين، استقى أخبارها من «راديو ترانزستور» كان صلته بالعالم. بعد تحرير صيدا وشرقها، استقر أيوب في عين الحلوة. تزوّج من إحدى بنات المخيم وأنجب ثلاثة أولاد. ومنذ عام 2003، افتتح متجراً لبيع التذكارات التراثية الفلسطينية.
لا يجد معظم عارفي أيوب سبباً لبقائه في المخيم الذي يعيش ظروفاً صعبة من الاشتباكات الأمنية المتكررة إلى ضيق العيش. أما بالنسبة إليه، فإن الأسباب التي دفعته للمجيء إلى لبنان عقب الاجتياح الإسرائيلي عام 1978 ومشاركته في صد العدوان على المخيم خلال حصاره عام 1982 ثم نضاله السياسي والاجتماعي فيه، لم تنتف طوال عقود… قبل أن تنتفي عام 2020 عندما قُتل بيرم، النجل البكر لأيوب، على يد أحد شبان المخيم. في الرواية الأمنية، فإن الشاب الذي درس الهندسة في بيروت وأقام وعمل في شرقها، قُتل بسبب خلافات شخصية. لكن أيوب يرجّح بأن ابنه «ربما دفع ثمن تجربة والده النضالية والعسكرية». مقتل بيرم أصاب أيوب بمقتل دفعه للتحضير للعودة إلى تونس نهائياً. في لحظة ضعف، حدّث نفسه: «هل هكذا تكافئني القضية؟ هل هكذا يكافئني المخيم الذي نذرت عمري وعائلتي لأجله؟». لكنه استدرك قائلاً: «القاتل هو الفاقد لهويته وانتمائه إلى القضية الشريفة».
يحكي أيوب عن مصير رفاقه «التوانسة» والمغاربة الذين قاتلوا على جبهات لبنان. منهم من انتحر ومنهم من أكمل نضاله في بلده بأشكال مختلفة. أما في الشأن الخاص، فقليلون هم من استطاعوا الانخراط اقتصادياً ومهنياً واجتماعياً في محيطهم. بعضهم تعرّض لانتقاد شديد بعد عودته من لبنان، لأنه «تغرّب كل تلك السنين وعاد إيد ورا وإيد قدام. كأنّ القضية بتطعمي خبز».
في الشارع الفوقاني في عين الحلوة، يقيم محمد غندور منذ عام 1988. ابن مخيم برج البراجنة نزح قسراً إلى عين الحلوة بسبب حرب المخيمات. يقر ابن حركة «فتح» بأنه يعيش عمراً إضافياً منذ 24 أيلول 1984 بعد مشاركته في الهجوم على موقع الاحتلال في الأولي في صيدا. الموت نال من رفاق العملية، الفرنسية فرنسواز كستيمان والسوري سمير المصري وابن مخيم الرشيدية خليل ظاهر. قلة تعرف تجربة «أبو علي». يتحاشى الاستعراض خجلاً ممن استشهد وأُسر، ويخاف من غدر الدموع التي تخنقه كلما استذكر «الأخت فرانسواز».
في مستوصف البص، تعرّف غندور إلى الممرضة المتطوعة في الهلال الأحمر الفلسطيني. علم منها أنها تركت طفلين لها في نيس، أحدهما مقعد. بعد معايشتها لضحايا الاعتداءات الإسرائيلية، طلبت من فتح تدريبها على السلاح لتنخرط في العمل الفدائي. تُوجت مهاراتها بإطلاق الصواريخ باختيار من قبل الزعيم ياسر عرفات لها لتنفيذ عملية في عمق فلسطين المحتلة. شكّلت فتح المجموعة من غندور وظاهر والمصري وطارق مصطفى، لتنفيذ عملية بواسطة زورق زودياك يصل إلى الساحل المحتل ويخطف مستوطنين بهدف مبادلتهم بالأسرى. الحصار المعادي منع الزورق من الوصول، فاستبدل الهدف بمعسكر الأولي. بحسب غندور، نزلوا من الزورق واشتبكوا مع الجنود حتى استشهد المصري وظاهر وفرنسواز، وأُسر غندور ومصطفى قبل أن يُطلقا بعملية تبادل للأسرى عام 1985.
جثامين الشهداء الأسيرة نُقلت إلى البراد الذي استحدثته قوات الاحتلال بجوار عين الحلوة. حاولت مجموعة تنفيذ عملية لتحرير الجثامين. استشهد شابان. إلى أن تدخّلت السفارة الفرنسية في بيروت لتحرير جثمان فرانسواز حصراً. وبناءً على طلب والدتها التي حضرت إلى لبنان، أقيمت الجنازة الشعبية في بيروت ودُفنت في مقبرة الشهداء في شاتيلا. أما جثمانا المصري وظاهر فعادا في صفقة تبادل الأسرى عام 2008.
عند مدخل «مثوى شهداء فلسطين» في شاتيلا، يقيم محمد مع عائلته منذ عشر سنوات. يرعى المدافن ويحفظ شواهد أصحابها «لأنها تختصر العالم». هنا قبر الإيطالي فرانكو فونتانا، وهناك قبر الفرنسية فرانسواز كسيتمان، وبينهما قبرا اليابانيين ياسوكي ياسودا وأوكاديرا تويوشي اللذين استشهدا في عملية مطار اللد في فلسطين المحتلة عام 1972 مع رفيقهما وساموما روكا الذي توفي عام 2011 متأثراً بالتعذيب خلال الاعتقال وباكاو هيموري الذي أحرق نفسه في طوكيو عام 2002 احتجاجاً على الاجتياح الإسرائيلي للضفة الغربية. قريباً من هذه القبور، دُفن عبد حسيني من العمارة في العراق والشاعر السوري كمال خير بك سوريا… لا يزال محمد، الذي نشأ في مخيمات بيروت، يعبّر عن دهشته «ممن تركوا بلادهم وهم في مقتبل الشباب ليقاتلوا من أجلنا، فيما كثير من الفلسطينيين يستميتون للهجرة إلى البلاد التي جاء منها هؤلاء. يدرك بأن الزمن تغيّر. أبرز حكايات أهل القبور، برأي محمد، هي فونتانا – أو «جوزيف إبراهيم» اسمه العسكري – الذي عاد إلى إيطاليا بعد اجتياح بيروت عام 1982. لكنه بعد تقاعده من عمله، عاد عام 2015 إلى بيروت حيث أقام ثلاثة أسابيع قبل أن يموت بسكتة قلبية ويُدفن هنا بناءً على وصيته.
في 15 أيار 2015، وصل فونتانا إلى مخيم مار الياس، قاصداً مكتب الجبهة الديموقراطية لتحرير فلسطين. بالصدفة، كان الناشط سامر مناع حاضراً. لبّى طلبه بالمبيت في المخيم رغم أنه لم يفصح عن تاريخه الفدائي في صفوف الجبهة منذ عام 1977. قال إنه متضامن أوروبي سيمضي شيخوخته في المخيمات خدمة للقضية الفلسطينية. بعد أيام قليلة، تعرّف إليه مسؤول مجموعته في محاور الجنوب «أبو السعد». لم يحظَ رفاقه القدامى وعارفوه الجدد بوقت كافٍ للقائه والتزود من تجربته. في 2 حزيران، أصيب بجلطة دماغية أدخلته في غيبوبة حتى فارق الحياة. «حاولنا التعويض في مماته. حظي بجنازة شعبية شارك فيها الآلاف من مخيمَي صبرا وشاتيلا، رافقوا جثمانه حتى مدافن الشهداء». واللافت أن قبره كان بانتظاره برغم أزمة ضيق المساحة. «قبل أيام من وفاته، حضرت عائلة شهيد تونسي كان قد سقط في صفوف المقاومة الفلسطينية في لبنان واستعيد رفاته في صفقة تبادل الأسرى عام 2008. استخرجت العائلة الرفات لنقله إلى مسقط رأسه في تونس، فشغر القبر قبل أن يشغله فرانكو».
رغم التجربة الغنية للمقاتلين العرب والأجانب الذين قاتلوا العدو الإسرائيلي في لبنان، لم تقم القوى الفلسطينية واللبنانية التي قاتلوا في صفوفها بتوثيقها بشكل كامل. الأمين العام للحزب الديموقراطي الشعبي محمد حشيشو يحتفظ في وثائقه وذاكرته بجانب من التجربة التي عايشها ميدانياً في محاور الجنوب وبيروت والجبل. قبل عام 1982، ازدهرت المساهمة الأممية على الجبهات. سُجّل حضور لكل من الألوية الحمراء الإيطالية وجماعة الجيش الأحمر الألماني (بادر ماينهوف) ومجموعة العمل المباشر الفرنسية والجيش الأحمر الياباني ومنظمة الدرب المضيء من البيرو والخلايا الشيوعية المقاتلة في بلجيكا والجيش الجمهوري الإيرلندي والجبهة الشعبية في تركيا والذراع العسكرية لحزب المؤتمر الوطني الأفريقي (نيلسون مانديلا) ومنظمة إيتا من إقليم الباسك الإسباني وحزب وطد التونسي وحزب العمال الكردستاني… ولفت حشيشو إلى أن عناصر من مجموعات أخرى كانوا ينخرطون في صفوف قوى لبنانية وفلسطينية، يعملون تحت اسمها، ولا سيما مع الجبهة الشعبية لتحرير فلسطين.
يرجّح حشيشو بأن عوامل الجذب للمقاتلين الأجانب بشكل خاص ارتبطت بـ«التصاق اليسار العالمي بالقضية الفلسطينية، إذ وجد فيها جزءاً من الصهيونية والإمبريالية، فضلاً عن شعور التضامن العالمي بعدالة القضية». ومن العوامل أيضاً «الميدان اللبناني الذي شكّل معسكر تدريب للتزود بالخبرات وتطوير المهارات القتالية لدى تلك المجموعات في بلادها». وإلى الخبرات العسكرية التي تبادلوها مع المقاتلين اللبنانيين والفلسطينيين، «برز دور المقاتلين الأجانب في رفع الوعي السياسي والثقافي والمجتمعي ولا سيما حول قضايا المرأة».
Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem
Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem stressed on Tuesday that the Resistance wargames sent a message of readiness and deterrence to the Zionist enemy.
In an interview with Al-Manar TV on Resistance and Liberation DAy, Sheikh Qassem indicated that the Resistance wanted to tell the Israeli enemy that the next battle will be in occupied Palestine.
“During the upcoming war, Zionists will not be able to sip coffee in Tel Aviv. The Israelis will see what they have not seen if they commit any folly”
Sheikh Qassem said that Hezbollah military drills displayed only a party of the Resistance arsenal, without showing the precision-guided missiles and much more.
His eminence reiterated that Hezbollah supports unifying the fronts against teh Zionst enemy, pointing out that Israelis must know that they can never violate the deterrence formulas maintained by the Resistance.
Sheikh Qassem indicated USA and ‘Israel’ acknowledge that Hezbollah Resistance has developed several classical weapons, including missiles and canons.
130 mm artillery developed by Hezbollah
Hezbollah Deputy Chief said that Resistance and Liberation Day is a national occasion, adding that those who exclude themselves from this pride are to be blamed.
Sheikh Qassem called for disregarding the remarks that oppose the path of resistance, adding that some of them had cooperated with the enemy during certain stages.
On the other hand, Sheikh Qassem pointed out that maintaining stability among Arab countries serve the Palestinian cause and the entire Ummah, adding that Hezbollah supports the Iranian-Saudi agreement.
His eminence noted that the Syrian President Bashar Assad has attended the Arab Summit with all his pro-resistance stances and after emerging victorious from a 13-year war.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General indicated that the presidential deadlock in Lebanon is caused by the stubbornness of some political parties, calling for resorting the constitutional norms in order to elect a new president.
Sheikh Qassem added that the Free Patriotic Movement and Lebanese Forces intend to have a joint nomination without having a joint project.
Hezbollah staged on Sunday large-scale wargames that displayed its arsenal, raising eyebrows in Tel Aviv over messages the Lebanese resistance party conveyed via the exercise.
The maneuver, attended by more than 200 Lebanese and foreign reporters, was held in Kasarat Al-Oroush, a military post that was run by Israeli occupation forces in south Lebanon before the liberation in May 2000.
The drill included several exercises simulating Hezbollah attacks on Israeli military outposts. It deployed snipers, drones, motorbikes, armored vehicles, rocket launchers, mortar artillery, and anti-aircraft weapons.
Journalists described the event as “unprecedented and unparalleled” in Hezbollah’s history, with many noting that it was “just a sliver of its full arsenal”.
But what about messages behind such a show of force Hezbollah held on the twenty third anniversary of south Lebanon’s liberation?
“Personal Defense”
With the call of “O Sahib Zaman”, referring to Imam Mahdi A.S., the drill started showcasing muscle-bound Hezbollah fighters in the “Personal Defense Parade.”
Other fighters then leapt onto fast moving dirt-bikes while wielding rifles in the “Motorcycles Parade”.
Part of the “Personal Defense Parade” presented by Hezbollah fighters in south Lebanon (May 21, 2023).
Ostensibly, such parades could be seen as a part of the so-called “psychological warfare” adopted by Hezbollah. However, it truly signifies the military prowess of the Lebanese resistance’s well-trained fighters who accumulated expertise and developed military skills throughout more than 40 years, especially in the last ten years during the Syrian war.
Such expertise rings bells in Tel Aviv, whose soldiers are still receiving psychological support over distress they had been through during their service in south Lebanon before the liberation in 2000.
Message to the Friends
In addition to its explicit address to the Israeli enemy, Sunday’s maneuver conveyed a resounding message to allies and friends alike.
This unequivocal message boldly declares: “The strength of the resistance is formidable, capable of safeguarding your nation from any reckless Israeli folly. Rest assured, you can place your trust in it.”
Furthermore, the display of unwavering strength during Sunday’s maneuver served as a resolute reminder to regional and international actors that the resistance’s capabilities extend far beyond mere defensive measures. It showcased a readiness to confront any aggression or encroachment upon the rights and sovereignty of the Lebanese people.
Few hours after Hezbollah dispatched a drone into Karish in July 2022, during tensions that preceded the maritime border, Israeli officials voiced concern at time that “Hezbollah could send an explosive-laden drones in the next time.”
Following Sunday’s maneuver, the Israelis became certain that this “next time” could be imminent, as Hezbollah showcased explosive-laden UAVs.
“Oh Zionists, we are coming to you, from places you know and places you don’t,” declared a member of Hezbollah through a microphone, as a suicide drone struck and obliterated a potential Israeli target in the presence of a crowd comprising hundreds of attendees during the wargames.
Since Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah promised the Israelis with the “great surprise” in 2007, the Zionist entity have been speculating that it would mean the invasion of the Galilee.
Yesterday, the Lebanese resistance party said it frankly, with an exercise that simulated an offensive on an Israeli settlement. A Hezbollah fighter, speaking into a microphone during the maneuver, declared with conviction, : “The targeted settlement will face complete destruction through the utilization of appropriate weaponry.”
Hezbollah fighters holding military maneuver in south Lebanon (May 21, 2023).
Such spectacle was wrapped up with a significant move, as a Hezbollah fighter courageously took down the Israeli flag and proudly raised the flag of Hezbollah in its place, symbolizing their dominance over the depicted Israeli settlement.
“Union of Battlefields”
Palestine was highly present in the wargames, with the slogan “We Will Cross”, referring to potential Hezbollah infiltration into occupied territories of Palestine in any future confrontation with the Israeli enemy.
Meanwhile, Sunday’s wargames were ended by a highly symbolic exercise, where dozens of Hezbollah fighters destroyed and crossed a wall which depicts that of the border between Lebanon and occupied Palestine.
Such exercise holds a very impressive message to the Zionist entity. It tells the Israeli occupiers that Palestine is within Hezbollah’s reach, and that the Lebanese resistance fighters have been awaiting the orders of their leadership to cross into the occupied territories and engage in any battle to support the Palestinian resistance.
“We will come to you from the sea, from the air and from the land,” the Hezbollah fighter said into the microphone, addressing the Zionist enemy in one of the most resonant messages, which also echoes Sayyed Nasrallah’s promise to the Israelis: “Wait for the inconceivable!”
Days ahead of the 23rd anniversary of south Lebanon liberation from Israeli occupation, Hezbollah held a large-scale wargames, demonstrating its full readiness to defeat any Israeli folly.
Since the early hours of Sunday, journalists have been preparing to cover the historic event with its strategic and military implications, especially since Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah voiced the Lebanese resistance’s full readiness to support the Palestinian people in confronting the Zionist entity’s repeated attacks.
Attendees included news agencies, television media outlets, news websites, and photographers of diverse affiliations and viewpoints. The participation of international and Western journalists was noteworthy.
Al-Manar website correspondent spoke with some of these journalists.
Nicholas Blanford: “Very Impressive Performance”
During the maneuver, Hezbollah fighters simulated a possible storming of an Israeli settlement in the former Bir Kallab site, which was well-known for being one of the most formidable sets for the Zionist army and its allies.
Al-Manar English Website spoke to one of the most prominent present journalists in the exercise, Nicholas Blanford. We questioned the journalist, who resided in Lebanon since 1994, about the significance of the setting.
When asked about the Israeli reaction to this symbolic maneuver, Blanford remarked:
American freelance journalist Hanna Davis was there for the wargames. She took plenty of photographs and videos, showing how engaged she was in what she was observing.
Before the drill began, we asked Ms. Hanna about her expectations, and she replied:
After the parade ended, we interviewed Lebanese political activist Ali Yehya about the drill’s relevance, particularly in light of Israel’s recent aggression on Gaza.
On the contrary, a British freelance journalist declined to speak to our website, citing his concern about looking in a false form and saying he “would appear as a hostage.” Likewise, other German and Spanish journalists refused to speak to Al-Manar, claiming this would be against their agencies’ policies.
In a nutshell, twenty-three years after the Zionist entity disgracefully expelled the Lebanese territories, Hezbollah has grown into a potent organization that has caught the attention of both worldwide and regional media outlets.
Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem
Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem indicated the Islamic Resistance military drill is unprecedented and sends a message of deterrence as well as readiness to confront any Zionist aggression and defend Lebanon.
Addressing a political seminar in Southern Lebanon on Resistance and Liberation Day, Sheikh Qassem stressed that Hezbollah called for neglecting the objections to the maneuvers voiced by some Lebanese parties
Sheikh Qassem described such objections as meaningless, adding that those parties have never defended the resistance even during the era of the Zionist occupation.
His eminence stressed that Resistance uses weaponry in order to defend Lebanon and prevent its return to the epoch of weakness, adding that the popular representation secures Hezbollah political participation in the state.
On the other hand, Sheikh Qassem stressed that the constitutional considerations govern the presidential elections, calling on the various Lebanese parties to settle their nominations.
Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah is slated to deliver a televised speech on Thursday, May 25, to commemorate Resistance and Liberation Day. The speech is scheduled to begin at 20:45 (Local Time).
On May 25, 2000, the Israeli occupation army concluded its withdrawal from the majority of Lebanese territories, with the exception of Shebaa Farms and KfarShuba Hills. This withdrawal was prompted by the significant losses inflicted upon the Israeli army as a result of successful strikes by the Resistance.
Resistance and Liberation Day, celebrated on May 25th, commemorates a significant event in Lebanese history. In 2000, this day marked the completion of the Israeli occupation army’s withdrawal from most of the Lebanese territories.
Prior to the withdrawal, Lebanon had been under Israeli occupation for nearly two decades, starting in 1982 during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. The occupation had a profound impact on the country, causing widespread suffering and displacement among the Lebanese population.
During the occupation, Hezbollah, a Lebanese political and military organization, emerged as a prominent resistance force along with other resistance groups in Lebanon. Engaging in guerrilla warfare tactics and armed resistance, Hezbollah played a crucial role in opposing the Israeli presence and resisting their military operations.
The Resistance strikes carried out by Hezbollah and other resistance groups inflicted heavy losses upon the Israeli army, leading to a significant shift in the dynamics of the conflict. As a result, on May 25, 2000, the Israeli occupation army completed its withdrawal from most of the Lebanese territories.
However, it’s important to note that the withdrawal was not complete, as the Shebaa Farms and KfarShuba Hills remained under Israeli control. These disputed areas have been a subject of ongoing tension and have not been fully resolved to this day.
The annual televised speech by Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah on Resistance and Liberation Day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the day, honor the sacrifices made by the resistance fighters, and reaffirm the commitment to the liberation of all occupied Lebanese territories.
الاحتفال النوعي الذي نظمته المقاومة بدعوة من العلاقات الإعلامية في حزب الله واللقاء الإعلامي الوطني بمناسبة عيد المقاومة والتحرير سوف يبقى موضوع دراسة وتمحيص وتدقيق في دوائر القيادة في كيان الاحتلال، بعيداً عن الضجيج الذي سوف يحاول إثارته بعض اللبنانيين عبر محاولة زج المناورة في لعبة الزواريب اللبنانية، التي أتقنت المقاومة منذ نشأتها النأي بنفسها عنها، والالتزام بالبقاء درعاً وحصناً لحماية لبنان بوجه تحديات الاحتلال وعدوانيته، لتكون سنداً وحامياً لكل اللبنانيين ليمارسوا حياتهم الاقتصادية والسياسية والاجتماعية، من مخالفيها ومؤيديها على السواء، بما في ذلك ممارسة البعض لهذا الحق في تصعيد خطابه المناوئ للمقاومة.
العنوان الأول الذي سوف يتوقف أمامه قادة الكيان، أن المناورة التي تضمنت تنظيم نماذج رمزية عن أعمال قتالية، ليست عرضاً لأسلحة، بل لمشاة البر في المقاومة وفي طليعتهم وحدات النخبة من قوة الرضوان، تحت عناوين تكتيكية واضحة من تسمياتها في المناورة، عبور الجدار، اقتحام مستعمرة، أسر جنود، تجاوز الشريط، هي إعلان الانتقال في رسم سقف المواجهة، من اعتبار التوازن الناري أساساً والعبور إلى الجليل فرضية، الى جعل هذا العبور أساساً، والدعم الناري عنصر إسناد لهذا الهدف.
العنوان الثاني تقديم نماذج عن تقدم نخبة المقاومة على جيش الاحتلال بخطوات في تكتيكات حروب مشاة البر، ومنها خصوصاً عامل الوقت، فكل عملية تكتيكية من العمليات التي نفذتها وحدات المقاومة الرمزية كانت مرسومة بطريقة تقول إنها عندما تكون في ظروف حرب طبيعية فلن تتجاوز بضع دقائق، والسقف هو خمس دقائق. هكذا كانت علمية الأسر وعملية اقتحام مستعمرة وعملية اختراق الجدار، والوقت كان حاضراً أيضاً في بلوغ المدى صفر بين نهاية القصف المدفعي والصاروخي التمهيدي لكل عملية وبين تقدّم مشاة البر، بينما يقع هذا المدى الزمني بين هاتين الخطوتين العسكريتين في أي هجوم لدى أفضل الجيوش، بين دقيقتين وسبع دقائق، وقد شاهدنا المشاة يتقدّمون ويقتحمون بينما القصف التمهيدي مستمر ومتواصل بدقة متناهية على بعد أمتار من المهاجمين، وكان هذا مصدراً للإبهار، والإبهار ملازم لتجربة المقاومة منذ النشأة وهو أحد أسلحتها في الحرب النفسية.
يعرف قادة الكيان أن الإعلاميين والقادة السياسيين الذين احتشدوا لمتابعة المناورة، على بُعد مرمى حجر من حدود لبنان مع فلسطين المحتلة. وهذا يعني أن المقاومة ليست آبهة بكيف سوف يتصرّف الكيان وجيشه تجاه هذا الاحتشاد الذي كان قادة عسكريون وسياسيون كبار من المقاومة في طليعته، بل إن المقاومة واثقة أن الكيان سوف يتصرف كما يجب أن يتصرف كل مردوع تجاه هذا الحدث. وبالتوازي شاهد قادة الاحتلال العسكريون والأمنيون كيف أن هؤلاء الذين تابعوا المناورة كانوا عسكرياً جزءاً منها، لوجودهم على مسافة مئتي متر من خط النار، وهي مسافة محرّمة في المناورات، ولذلك تكون المراقبة من مسافة كيلومتر على الأقل في حالات مشابهة لاستخدام النيران ويزوّد المتابعة بمناظير يتابعون من خلالها، وكانت القذائف الصاروخية الثقيلة تسقط على مسافة خمسمئة متر من الحضور، وليس فقط على مسافة أمتار من المقاتلين المشاركين في العمليات التكتيكية، وهذا يعني أن المقاومة أرادت أن تقول إنها واثقة من دقة نيرانها ورماتها، والقناصة بعض مهم منهم، وأن رماة مدفعيتها وصواريخها قناصة مهرة أيضاً، وأن التدريبات قد انتهت، والثقة مطلقة لحد اليقين، بالجاهزيّة لنقل المشهد من الرمزية إلى المعركة الفعلية.
لقد حشدت المقاومة أكثر من ألف من مقاتلي نخبتها وعشرات الضباط القادة في هذا العرض، لمعارك رمزية عنوانها الميداني اقتحام مستعمرة وتدمير مئة متر من الجدار وأسر جندي، ويستطيع قادة الكيان تخيّل معنى مئة عملية مشابهة يوم العبور، ولكن تحت نيران أسلحة مختلفة وطائرات مسيّرة مختلفة، وآليات عبور مختلفة، وفي ظل تساقط حمم الصواريخ الدقيقة على عمق الكيان، في كل مرة يريد قادتها التحدث عن حرب على جبهات متعددة، أو عن تهديد لبنان بالحرب، أو تهديد المقاومة بتغيير موازين الردع، وفوق كل ذلك عندما تفكر بالعبث بضوابط وضع القدس والمسجد الأقصى، وقد صار ثابتاً في حسابات المقاومة، أنه من الخطوط الحمراء التي يشكل تجاوزها مصدر خطر لحرب إقليمية، أظهرت المواجهات السابقة أن احتمال تحرّك كل الجبهات خلالها أمر مؤكد.
تأتي رسالة المقاومة على خلفية المتغيرات الجارية في المنطقة، لتمنح هذه التحولات فرصة أن يقرأها الآخرون بصورة صحيحة، فالانفراجات والتهدئة مصطلحات تطال النزاعات البينية في البيئة التي تشكل السند الطبيعيّ لشعب فلسطين ومزقتها الألاعيب الغربية وربيعها، وفتاوى الفتن المذهبية، وهلوسات التطبيع، وهذه الانفراجات وهذه التهدئة إعلان إغلاق لهذه النوافذ التي كان يدخل منها الريح الأسود، أما المواجهة مع كيان الاحتلال فلا علاقة لها بمعادلات التهدئة، بل الجهوزية والاستعداد للمزيد من مراكمة القوة، في رسالة واضحة لشعب فلسطين عنوانها، لستم وحدكم.
Hezbollah launched a military drill in South Lebanon on Sunday, drawing the presence of local, regional, and international media personnel.
The itinerary included a visit to a resistance camp and participation in a live weapons military exercise, showcasing Hezbollah’s military strength on the commemoration of the May 25, 2000 Resistance and Liberation Day.
As the organizers prepared for the tour, South Lebanon was inundated with Israeli drones surveilling the area.
During the military drill, Hezbollah executed a remarkable maneuver, showcasing their combat capabilities. In a daring display, their fighters successfully captured an enemy military vehicle, demonstrating their tactical prowess. Explosive-laden UAVs targeted potential Israeli targets in the drill venue.
The drill included several exercises simulating Hezbollah attacks on Israeli outposts in any future battle, when Hezbollah fighters could invade the Galilee in occupied Palestine. The resistance fighters showed valiant military skills using both light and heavy weapons in a breathtaking exercise.
With the call of “O Sahib Zaman” (Imam Mahdi A.S.), the exercises started showcasing the “Personal Defense” parade. Then, several drones were deployed to the “Drone offensive.”
Adding to the spectacle, a parade of motorbikes filled the air, with each bike carrying two fighters. In a well-coordinated ballet of battle, the fighter positioned at the rear would swiftly disembark, engaging in a fierce exchange of gunfire before smoothly rejoining the moving motorcycle. The seamless execution highlighted their exceptional training and proficiency.
Head of Hezbollah Executive Council Sayyed Hashem Safieddine arrived at the event post asserting the resistance prowess and readiness to any Israeli stupidity. “Martyred Leader Imad Moughnieh had never been a terrorist, he’s a resistance leader and will remain so,” Safieddine said on Moughnieh whose posters were filling the place. His eminence indicated that Hezbollah is on alert and fully ready to engage in any future battle.
“If the Israeli enemy tries to attack us, they will be showered with precision-guided missiles that they could never retaliate,” Sayyed Safieddine said.
Journalists on the ground expressed their awe, describing the military parade as an unparalleled spectacle. “It’s an unprecedented, enthralling military parade I have ever seen in my life,” a journalist said from the drill post, which was a previous Israeli outpost before it was liberated in May 2000.
Al-Manar English Website’s correspondent, Areej Fatima Al-Husseini, asked one of the attendees, Nicholas Blanford, a British freelance journalist who specializes on Hezbollah news since 1990s and resides in Lebanon since 1994 (thus witnessing May 2000 liberation), about the maneuver, he answered:
Now, Hezbollah is organizing a tour to Mleeta site which will end with a musical performance for Lebanese singer, Ali Al-Attar.
Hezbollah extended invitations to media outlets, offering them the opportunity to participate in the event. The invitation read, “In honor of Resistance and Liberation Day on May 25, Hezbollah’s Media Relations cordially invite you to join the media tour of one of the resistance camps in the south and witness a military maneuver demonstrating the resistance’s commitment to defending Lebanon.”
Except the national duo-Hezbollah and Amal Movement, most of the political parties in Lebanon have not finalized their nominations for the presidential elections due since August 31, 2023 (60 days before the end of the presidential term).
Reasons behind this confusion are related to the considerations the parliamentary blocs rely on to choose the candidate they intend to vote for.
Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem called on the various parliamentary blocs to settle their nominations for the presidential elections in order to prevent more procrastination in this regard, noting holding a national dialogue would bridge the gaps and clarify the vague considerations required to nominate candidates.
Sheikh Qassem said that some parliamentary blocs choose candidates who serve their private interests or suit the foreign scheme in Lebanon regardless of their programs, adding that Hezbollah has nominated Head of Marada Movement Sleiman Franjiyeh due to his clear program based on a long political experience.
Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem
What exacerbates the conditions of the confused blocs is the lack of the interest shown by the foreign players in the Lebanese politics. Unlike the former presidential election rounds, the Arab and Western states display carelessness about the details of the Lebanese file. So far, the ongoing French endeavor has failed to cause any breakthrough in this file.
The concluding statement of the Arab Summit in Jeddah called on the Lebanese parliamentary blocs to elect a new president and form an effective government capable of carrying out reforms in order to cope with the ongoing crisis.
Thus, the Arab states urged the Lebanese to end the presidential vacuum without interfering in the nominations in a way that represents a case of obligation.
Arab Summit
Some Lebanese parties who are close to the Saudi royalty may be waiting for a clear order or command in order to facilitate the presidential elections.
However, the statement in addition to Syria participation in the Arab Summit will help several blocs settle their nomination.
For instance, a group of Sunni lawmakers had announced that they would vote for Franjiyeh in case the Arab states support this choice. Thus, after the Arab Summit, they would easily take a step in this direction.
In general, the political map in Lebanon will witness major changes in light of the regional developments which will converge with the insistence of Hezbollah and Amal Movement on supporting Franjiyeh in his presidential battle till he reaches Baabda Palace.
On May 18, 2000, the Islamic Resistance carried out its last storming attack on the military sites of the Zionist occupation and Lahd militia in southern Lebanon.
The target was Bayada site. At 6:10 a.m. the Resistance fighters started their attack supervised by Hezbollah military commander martyr Imad Mughniyeh.
One of Hezbollah military officer who participated in the attack told al-Manar reporter that Martyr Mughniyeh ordered the Resistance forces to avoid shelling at some houses to shun harming civilians although some enemy troops deployed near those houses and opened fire at the Hezbollah fighters.
The following video shows the operation during which Hezbollah fighters used a T-54 tank in order to prove progress of military capabilities in face of the enemy. One of the fighters also appears to be reading the Holy Book of Quran which reflects the spiritual essence of the Islamic Resistance.
Syrian FM Faisal Al-Mikdad attending the Arab FMs meeting in Jeddah
The Arab foreign ministers convened in Jeddah on Wednesday in preparation for the Arab summit scheduled to be held next Friday in the same Saudi city with the participation of Syria.
Syria was represented at the meeting by a high-level delegation headed by the country’s Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, who confirmed that President Bashar Assad will attend Friday’s summit.
It is worth noting that the summit this year is characterized by Syria return to the Arab League after around a decade of suspension during the terrorist war on the Syrian people, army and state backed by some Arab regimes.
Arab FMs meeting in Jeddah
Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf handed over the presidency to the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan during the meeting.
“Our meeting is taking place today within special regional circumstance and rapid international developments that require continuing work to unite our word in order to overcome obstacles and challenges” Attaf, said.
Attaf stressed the need to intensify efforts to strengthen joint Arab action and neutralize the marginal tensions that divide our countries.
Attaf went on to say that Algeria welcomes the resumption of Syria’s participation in the Arab League meetings, which reflects positively on strengthening joint Arab action.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said ” I welcome Syria’s participation in our meeting today, adding that the world is going through challenges that require us to unite in facing them.
In turn, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit said that “We welcome the resumption of Syria’s participation in the meetings of the League of Arab States, and we hope that its return represents the end of the crisis in it, adding that We must work as one bloc, and this is what gives weight to our positions and provides a protective umbrella for our region in light of international changes.
Aboul Gheit affirmed that Syria is a country that has a prominent civilizational contribution to the region throughout history. It is a founding country for the university, and we are all looking forward to strengthening its role and presence.
Lebanon-Syria Meeting
The Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib met on the sidelines of the preparatory meetings in Jeddah with his Syrian counterpart Al-Mikdad, reviewing the bilateral relations.
Mikdad added that “we touched upon the issue of the refugees in Lebanon and coordination between delegations of Syria and Lebanon in the field of the two countries concern,” asserting that “the atmospheres are good.”
Abdallah Bou Habib met with his Syrian counterpart Al-Mikdad
Al-Mikdad also met with his Saudi counterpart Al-Farhan, affirming that the bilateral ties will be improved upon the instructions of the two leaderships in Syria and KSA.
Lebanon’s central bank governor Riad Salameh (photo from archive).
A French investigating magistrate on Tuesday issued an international arrest warrant for Lebanon’s central bank chief Riad Salameh, a source close to the case told AFP.
Lebanon’s central bank chief did not attend a hearing in Paris on Tuesday where French prosecutors were expected to press preliminary fraud and money laundering charges against him, Reuters quoted two sources with knowledge of his travel plans as saying.
Riad Salameh, alongside his brother and an assistant, are being investigated in Lebanon and at least five European countries for allegedly taking hundreds of millions of dollars from the central bank to the detriment of the state.
French prosecutors had set a hearing for him at 9:30 a.m. on May 16, according to court documents seen by Reuters. French prosecutors intend to press the preliminary charges and formally name him a suspect during that hearing.
Two sources with knowledge of his travel plans told Reuters on Tuesday that Salameh had remained in Beirut. Neither Salameh nor his lawyer in Lebanon responded to requests for comment from Reuters.
A senior judicial source said Lebanon’s judiciary was unable to deliver the summons to attend the Paris hearing as it was addressed to Salameh at the Central Bank and he was unavailable to receive it.
Another judicial source said the defense attorneys for the Salamehs and for the central bank chief’s assistant Marianne Hoayek had submitted an objection to Lebanon’s judiciary over the French case, saying France should not be allowed to try a case already being investigated in Lebanon.
The three have been charged in two separate cases in Lebanon. Riad and Raja Salameh have denied diverting public funds and neither Hoayek nor her lawyer have spoken publicly about the charges.
Lebanon’s top public prosecutor said in January that Beirut could delay cooperating with foreign investigations pending progress on the local probes.
Salameh: ‘I will appeal to this decision’
In a statement issued Tuesday, Salameh accused Investigating Judge Aude Buresi of issuing a decision “that constitutes a breach of law,” because the judge “did not observe the legal deadlines stipulated in French law.”
“Therefore I will appeal to this decision,” Salameh announced.
Salameh said the “judge has ignored the United Nations agreement of 2003 and internationally recognized procedures, specifically those applied in the context of international judicial assistance.”
“Is it reasonable for a judge to not comply with international conventions?” Salameh asked.
Salameh also stated that the French investigation is not being done in secrecy as the law states . “It has become clear from the press articles, especially those issued recently on April 21, 2023 via Reuters that press agencies are obtaining, without limitation, the investigation documents,” Salameh declared.
On April 21, Reuters said it had obtained French court documents in which French prosecutors told Salameh they planned to press preliminary fraud and money laundering charges against him, partly based on allegedly forged bank statements used to conceal his wealth.
From all the events accompanying the French investigations, Salameh stated that the “French investigators contradict the principle of presumption of innocence through their selective application of texts and laws.”
He also accused Buresi of “selective application of texts and laws,” and of “choosing the lawyers on behalf of the Lebanese state, which is a violation of the law.”
Salameh concluded by stating that while the investigation in France, which was “triggered by systematic complaints” filed by his “opponents,” is progressing rapidly, the lawsuit he filed in the French courts concerning the Crystal Credit case which is baseless has remained stagnant for three years, “despite his due diligence.”
Annually, on the sacred date of May 15, Palestinians solemnly commemorate the Nakba, a term that encapsulates the immense tragedy that befell them in 1948. This sorrowful event saw the forceful expulsion of approximately one million Palestinians from their ancestral lands, accompanied by the destruction or depopulation of over 500 Palestinian villages by Zionist terrorist militias. These actions paved the way for the establishment of the settler colonial state known as “Israel.”
May 15 serves as a yearly occasion for deep mourning, introspection, and remembrance of the unfathomable massacres and immense bloodshed suffered by countless Palestinians. Among the victims of this catastrophic chapter in history were nearly 950,000 Palestinians forcefully displaced from their original cities and towns. These individuals constituted a part of the greater population of 1.4 million Palestinians residing in 1,300 villages and cities.
As we observe this poignant anniversary, the Israeli occupation authorities persistently engage in a relentless campaign of ethnic cleansing and coerced expulsion against Palestinians. They brazenly deny Palestinians their national and human rights, including the right to establish an independent state with Al-Quds (Jerusalem) as its capital. Additionally, the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their cherished homes remains callously disregarded.
The Occupied Palestinian Territories presently bear witness to significant events and developments in their tireless resistance against the oppressive occupation, particularly in Jerusalem and the other occupied regions. The Israeli authorities relentlessly pursue settlement and Judaization schemes, aiming to efface the Palestinian Arab identity and distort the essence of the Palestinian struggle.
Within occupied Palestine, hardly a day passes without acts of resolute resistance targeting occupation soldiers, their patrols, and military installations. These acts range from courageous stabbings to daring vehicular attacks. As a consequence, Palestinian cities and refugee camps have transformed into bastions of resilience, harboring fierce fighters and individuals willing to sacrifice their lives for the just cause. This unyielding state of resistance has exerted tremendous pressure upon the occupying forces, depleting their resources and eroding their morale.
The valiant participants in these acts of resistance are revered as divinely guided soldiers on the battlefield. Some have embraced martyrdom, while many others have skillfully infiltrated various settlements nestled deep within the occupied territory. The collective efforts of the resistance forces have coalesced under a shared objective, giving rise to a formidable joint operations room that has profoundly impacted the enemy entity both militarily and psychologically.
Joint Revenge
A recent significant victory was achieved by the Al-Quds Brigades through their missile attacks that have effectively demolished multiple settlements and bolstered the determination of the Palestinian people. From Gaza to the West Bank, and reaching across the 1948 borders, the resolve of our Palestinian brothers and comrades in their resistance against the enemy remains unwavering, even in the land of Lebanon. Together, we march towards the ultimate goal of liberating Palestine.
Illustrative photo prepared by Al-Manar English Website of the Islamic Jihad martyred commanders.
The martyrdom of the esteemed resistance leaders in the face of the occupying entity has never been a mere setback for our noble cause. It is crucial to recognize that, were it not for the enemy’s profound apprehension regarding the consequences of our unwavering struggle, these valiant leaders would not have attained martyrdom. Furthermore, their martyrdom, alongside the resilience of those who continue to champion our cause, has laid the groundwork for the launch of the Al-Quds Brigades’ formidable missiles, devastating settlements strewn across the occupied territories.
Undeniably, deterrence is evolving and gaining momentum with each passing day, thanks to the unwavering commitment of the Mujahideen of the Al-Quds Brigades. Their transformative efforts have revolutionized the deterrence equation, transitioning from the resounding “Seif al-Quds” to the unifying “Unity of Battlefields,” and ultimately culminating in the resolute “Revenge of the Free.” This strategic shift has presented the enemy’s army with an unprecedented and complex challenge, marking a pivotal turning point in this protracted battle.
Moreover, the language employed by the enemy’s military authorities when referring to the Islamic Jihad movement underscores their palpable confusion. They are now acutely aware of the daunting prospect of confronting multiple resolute Palestinian factions simultaneously, thereby neglecting to acknowledge the arduous endeavors undertaken by these factions within the confines of the Joint Operations Room.
On the military front, the enemy’s formidable war machine has regrettably failed to achieve any significant qualitative leap within the context of this battle. Conversely, the Al-Quds Brigades’ missile capabilities have undergone remarkable expansion, bolstered further by the introduction of novel missile systems and refined targeting mechanisms, effectively amplifying the Israeli vulnerability.
The political sphere, too, bears the scars of this conflict, as the fragile government within the enemy entity faces an imminent disintegration and an exacerbating political crisis. The ensuing turmoil within the entity may conceivably necessitate the initiation of parliamentary elections, further intensifying the prevailing tumultuous climate.
Israelis protest against the Israeli government’s planned judicial overhaul, outside the US consulate in Tel Aviv, March 16, 2023.
Simultaneously, a groundswell of discontent among the Israeli populace has been witnessed, as a myriad of individuals who had hitherto abstained from confronting the enemy have now taken to the streets, vehemently rejecting the feeble policies of the enemy government. This significant upsurge in popular dissent poses a formidable challenge, engendering a perceptible sense of bewilderment among the Israeli ranks.
In summation, the battle known as “Revenge of the Free” has undeniably secured an indelible and noble victory for the broader Arab and Islamic nation. It transcends the realm of ordinary conflicts, embodying a profound quest for retribution, honoring the legacy of our revered leaders and innocent martyrs.
The unwavering resolve and indomitable spirit displayed by the Al-Quds Brigades throughout this arduous campaign have set in motion a transformative chapter in our tireless pursuit of emancipating Palestinian soil, ultimately paving the way for the inevitable downfall of the occupying entity known as “Israel.”
It is now abundantly clear that the Israeli enemy can no longer confront the Palestinian resistance in isolation. Consequently, a concerted and meticulously coordinated joint military effort, as epitomized by the Joint Operations Room, has emerged to ensure that the entity pays a substantial price for its transgressions. Thus, the resounding success of the “Operation Revenge of the Free” has unequivocally challenged the efficacy of the Zionist defensive apparatus, even acknowledged as futile by certain Israeli sources. Moreover, the operation has markedly broadened the scope of resistance targets, extending far beyond the confines of Beersheba and Tel Aviv and penetrating deeper into the heart of the occupied territories.
Nakba: A Trap to get Despaired or Unimpaired?
The Nakba persists in various forms and at an increasingly challenging pace. Nevertheless, the Palestinian people, who have shown resilience for over a century, continue to forge new means of resistance.
Especially today, as we closely follow or write about Palestine, it is crucial to grasp a fundamental lesson. Describing the “Revenge of the Free” campaign as a triumph is essential to our core issue. The achieved milestones must be acknowledged for what they truly are: a definitive and fresh victory over the Zionist enemy, shattering their resolve. It represents a new chapter in a comprehensive and zero-sum conflict between us and them, without succumbing to the trap of despair laid by the official Arab media, which speaks on behalf of Tel Aviv.
Without a doubt, the era of Zionist deterrence has reached its expiration, as the unified faction room harnesses its capabilities and weaponry to their utmost potential. Throughout the course of the conflict, they have struck at the very core of the Israeli entity, transcending the enemy’s intended shock through meticulously targeted assassinations of esteemed jihad leaders.
This resounding success stands as incontrovertible proof that we possess an abundance of untapped potential within our ranks, embodied by a new generation equipped with unwavering determination and indomitable fortitude.
The ill-conceived plans of the Netanyahu government have boomeranged, met with intelligent missiles, heart-rending losses, and a pervasive atmosphere of terror. Our hope finds solace in our own strength, our just cause, and the soaring spirit of our intrepid fighters that reaches towards the heavens.
Let us resound with the language of victory, aspirations, and innovative avenues to support our cause and our warriors. Let us explore ways to eternally honor our martyrs, heroes, and illustrious luminaries who have left an indelible mark upon our history. Let’s unite across battlefields!
Hezbollah Secretary General His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said that the Lebanese Resistance group is in continuous communication with the Resistance command in Gaza. His Eminence voiced Hezbollah’s readiness to offer support to the Palestinian resistance factions at any time responsibility requires so.
Sayyed Nasrallah made the remark during the event held to commemorate the seventh martyrdom anniversary of resistance leader Sayyed Mustafa Badreddine [Zolfiqar].
UPROOTED PALESTINIANS: SALAM ALQUDS ALAYKUM 