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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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 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.
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].
Revealing that Hezbollah has been in constant contact with Palestinian resistance in Gaza, Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah affirmed that the Lebanese resistance party “won’t hesitate to take actions as duty forces some moves.”
The Hezbollah leader concluded this statement by: “We’ll see,” in a clear threat to the Zionist entity and its premier Benjamin Netanyahu who has been in the last few days boasting of the brutal Israeli aggression on Gaza.
Sayyed Nasrallah remarks were during a ceremony marking the seventh martyrdom anniversary of Hezbollah senior commander Mustafa Badreddine – known with his nom du guerre “Sayyed Zulfiqar”.
His eminence hailed the Palestinian resistance for heroically confronting the Israeli aggression on Gaza, today on its fourth day.
In this context he stressed that the united stance of the resistance factions foiled the goals of the Israeli occupation which has been trying to single out the Islamic Jihad and to sow discord between resistance groups in Gaza.
Sayyed Nasrallah, meanwhile, described the Arab League (AL) invitation to Syria as an important step, calling on Lebanese government to restore ties with the Arab country.
On the local affairs, the Hezbollah S.G. said there have been positive developments in the issue of Lebanese presidential elections, but stressed that until a new president is elected the caretaker government must continue to assume its responsibilities.
“Sayyed Zulfiqar”
Talking about the occasion, Sayyed Nasrallah hailed “Sayyed Zulfiqar” as an insightful commander who had deep knowledge and strategic mind.
“Sayyed Zulfiar attained all honorable medals a resistance fighter could get. First, he obtained the medal of a fighter who was present in battlefields. Sayyed Zulfiqar also obtained the medal of an injured fighter and the medal of a prisoner. He took then the medal of a commander who secured achievements and victories. Finally, Sayyed Zulfiqar came by the most sublime medal, martyrdom.”
“Martyr Sayyed Zulfiqar and his companions, by their insight and mindful performance, managed to secure great achievements,” Sayyed Nasrallah addressed the ceremony in Beirut’s southern suburb (Dahiyeh).
“Sayyed Zulfiqar, who came up with the slogan of ‘United Banner Till Victory’, manifests, along with great martyr Hajj Qassem Suleimani, unity among powers in the Axis of Resistance,” the Hezbollah leader said, referring to the former commander of the Quds Force, of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who was martyred in a US strike near Baghdad airport in January 2020.
Full Support for Gaza
On the brutal Israeli aggression on Gaza, Sayyed Nasrallah said all know that ‘Israel’ is the one who initiated the attack by assassinating three senior Islamic Jihad commanders last Tuesday (May 9).
He lashed out at Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu, saying his motives behind the offensive were to restore the Israeli deterrence and to find a way out of the internal impasse the Zionist entity have been observing for months.
“Netanyahu, through the aggression, seeks to restore the Israeli deterrence and to handle the split of the Israeli governmental coalition as well as to bolster his popularity.”
Image prepared by Al-Manar that displays quotes by Sayyed Nasrallah
Meanwhile, Sayyed Nasrallah stressed that the Islamic Jihad is in powerful position, voicing confidence that the resistance group is capable to rehabilitate its organizational structure despite the assassinations that targeted its senior commanders.
In this context, his eminence praised the Gaza-based group’s calm performance in the battle, stressing that the united stance of the resistance groups foiled the Israeli goals.
“The Islamic Jihad acted wisely in a way that confused the Israeli enemy. The resistance stance was united through the Joint Operations Room of the Resistance Factions.”
“Netanyahu has failed in his scheme to single out the Islamic Jihad and to sow discord between the Palestinian resistance factions.”
Sayyed Nasrallah revealed that Hezbollah leadership has been in contact with Palestinian resistance factions, voicing full readiness to offer all forms of support to Palestine.
“We are in constant contact with the Palestinian factions’ commanders. We keep a close eye on the situation and its developments thanks to our brothers. In addition, we offer, within certain limits, feasible assistance.”
“But, I must emphasize, when duty forces specific actions or scenarios on us, we won’t hesitate to take an action, God willing. I will stop by this sentence… and we’ll see!”
The video* below shows Sayyed Nasrallah addressing the Israeli aggression on Gaza:
Syria Back to the Arab League
Sayyed Nasrallah welcomed an invitation by the Arab League to Syria, saying the move is of high significance.
“Syria has neither changed its stance nor its strategy,” his eminence said, stressing: “We recall Sayyed Zulfiqar whenever Syria achieves a political or military victory.”
In this context, the Hezbollah leader called on the Lebanese government to follow suit of the Arab countries and restore ties with Syria.
“Lebanon is called to restore ties with Syria, what are we waiting for? Restoring ties serves Lebanon’s national interest.”
Meanwhile, Sayyed Nasrallah stressed that handling the issue of Syrian refugees requires dispatching Lebanese ministerial delegation to Damascus and a national stance that doesn’t yield to foreign pressures in this regard.
Lebanese Presidential Elections
He noted, on the other hand, that are positive developments in the Lebanese presidential elections. The Lebanese resistance leader said that Hezbollah has announced his nominee for the presidential post, stressing that his party has not imposed him on any Lebanese side.
Sayyed Nasrallah affirmed the need for the caretaker government to assume its responsibilities as long as no president is elected.
His eminence called, in this context, to utilize from the positive regional developments, referring to the rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Sayyed Nasrallah concluded his speech by renewing allegiance to martyr “Sayyed Zulfiqar” and other martyrs.
“We will follow the suit. We will stick to the resistance path.”
Hezbollah Secretary Generla His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah emphasized that the resistance in Gaza managed to abort the ‘Israeli’ enemy’s goal to restore its power of deterrence, and despite all field and political pressures, it didn’t weaken.
Sayyed Nasrallah made the remarks on Friday afternoon during the event held to commemorate the seventh martyrdom anniversary of resistance leader Sayyed Mustafa Badreddine [Zolfiqar].
“The resistance is steadfast, and it refuses to end the battle without certain conditions. What happened until this day makes the enemy understand very well that any future assassination of any resistance fighter or leader in the Gaza Strip shall not pass, but would rather lead to a widescale confrontation,” the resistance leader underlined.
Terming the battle of Gaza as an important one, Sayyed Nasrallah said its impact are not limited with the strip alone, but with the region as a whole.
His Eminence went on to say that Hezbollah is in continuous communication with the resistance command in Gaza, voicing the Lebanese resistance group’s readiness to offer support at any time the responsibility requires this.
At the beginning of his speech, Sayyed Nasrallah condoled with and congratulated the Palestinian people and resistance factions, especially the Al-Quds Brigades, on the martyrdom of the leaders who were assassinated in the ‘Israeli’ strikes on Gaza.
Sayyed Nasrallah also condoled with the martyrdom of Palestinian detainee Sheikh Khader Adnan.
Referring to the occasion, the Hezbollah leader praised Sayyed Zolfiqar who achieved the medal of the fighter, the medal of the wounded in the Battle of Khalde against the ‘Israeli’ enemy, the medal of detention, the medal of leadership, and lastly the medal of martyrdom, which he described as the most sublime of them all.
“Sayyed Zolfiqar was deep in understanding, insightful, of a strategic mentality, which are the characteristics of many of our leaders,” His Eminence added.
Commenting on the current regional developments, Sayyed Nasrallah underlined that Lebanon is often affected by the unfolding incidents and developments, advising that realities must be approached honestly.
“Those who believed that ‘Israel’ was to remain in Lebanon and that Lebanon has entered the ‘Israeli’ era found out that they were wrong, and all of their bets and culture collapsed as they were built upon miscalculations,” His Eminence said.
To begin with Gaza, Sayyed Nasrallah explained that Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began the current aggression by assassinating the brothers in the Al-Quds Brigades in the besieged strip, along with a number of women and children. He then lamented the international silence this regard, slamming the US that banned the UNSC from condemning ‘Israel’ for killing Gaza women and children.
“Netanyahu has many motifs behind this aggression, which include restoring and rebuilding his deterrence, fleeing the internal crisis, dealing with the division in his government, and improving his political and electoral situation,” the Hezbollah leader analyzed, underscoring that all of Netanyahu’s calculations have failed as he decided to attack the Islamic Jihad and spare all other factions, and create chaos within the resistance environment.
“The occupation sought to strike the Al-Quds Brigades’ command and destroy its rocketry power by dismantling its direct commanders,” the resistance leader noted, stating, however, that the Islamic Jihad command was wise and calm after the assassination of its military leaders, and the Al-Quds Brigades contacted the Qassam Brigades to have a united stance regarding the developments.
“The enemy was waiting a reaction from the Islamic Jihad, and when the resistance factions dealt with the issue calmly, the enemy was confused. The wisdom in directing the battle makes the enemy lose the chance to achieve its goals,” Sayyed Nasrallah explained.
His Eminence went on to list the strengths of the resistance movements in Palestine and the region, praising that they are highly capable of rebuilding their leadership rapidly. “Despite assassinating its leaders, the resistance movements didn’t weaken, and its capabilities were not harmed; the shed blood was rather giving a push forward.”
Sayyed Nasrallah further noted that the quick rebuilding of the Al-Quds Brigades leadership surprised the occupation, which was confused by missiles reaching ‘Tel Aviv’ and Al-Quds.
“The resistance in Gaza failed the enemy’s goal of restoring its deterrence; and despite the field and political pressure, the Palestinian resistance didn’t weaken,” the Hezbollah leader underlined, stressing that today’s battle is the one of protecting and guaranteeing the Palestinian people’s security, and that what has happened so far makes the enemy understand well that any assassination shall not pass and will lead to a wide-scale confrontation.
“Netanyahu cannot lie and tell the ‘Israeli’ enemy that he restored the deterrence; and the battle of Gaza is very important and its impacts are not limited with the strip but with the entire region,” Sayyed Nasrallah said ahead of reiterating that Hezbollah is in continuous contact with the resistance leadership is Gaza, and voiced Hezbollah’s readiness to support the Palestinian at any time.
“We won’t hesitate to offer help at any time we have to,” the Lebanese resistance leader said.
Moving to the Syrian issue, Sayyed Nasrallah termed Syria’s return to the Arab League and inviting President Assad to the Arab summit as a very important indicator.
“Syria remained in its position, it didn’t shift its stance or its axis,” Sayyed Nasrallah said, adding that the Iranian President’s visit to Syria emphasizes the Iranian-Syrian strategic relations on different levels.
“Syria today is strongly present in the Turkish elections where the candidates are competing to offer their visions regarding Damascus.”
The Hezbollah chief then voiced support for every positive development regarding Syria: “We see in every recovery and progress in Syria the faces of our martyrs and their sacrifices, and our loneliness when the world was criticizing our choice in supporting Syria.”
Sayyed Nasrallah slammed the US looting of the Syrian oil and gas and its insistence on besieging the country through the Caesar Act.
“All the positive developments in Syria happened thanks to the steadfastness of its leadership, people, and army; Syria is heading to ease and the difficult days won’t return,” His Eminence said.
On the local level, Sayyed Nasrallah asked the caretaker government to restore Lebanon’s ties with Syria, stressing that had Hezbollah been the side making decisions in the country, ties with Syria would have been restored ages ago as they serve Lebanon’s interests.
“The issue of the refugees won’t be solved through incitation and on social media platforms, but rather through a ministerial and security delegation that visits Damascus and coordinates to deal with the crisis,” Sayyed Nasrallah said, underlining that a sovereign decision in coordination with the Syrian state is a main condition to deal with the Syrian refugees’ crisis.
Additionally, Sayyed Nasrallah reiterated that Hezbollah doesn’t prevent anybody from returning to the Syrian border villages, refuting the entire propaganda as mere lies, and emphasizing that Hezbollah was the most interested side in returning the people of Al-Qusayr and other villages to their houses.
Besides, the Hezbollah chief contested all news about any link of drug smugglers in Syria with Hezbollah. “All of this is unjust, and hadn’t it been for Hezbollah’s support, the Lebanese authorities wouldn’t have been able to confront several drug dealers in Lebanon.”
Also in his proof, Sayyed Nasrallah insisted that “Our religious and jihadi stance rejects seeking the help of drug smugglers to transfer the arms of resistance to Palestine,” urging the Lebanese state to expose the names of the drug traders and dealers in which people would learn to whom they belong.
On the presidential level, Sayyed Nasrallah reiterated that ex-minister Suleiman Franjieh is Hezbollah’s regular and serious candidate, making clear that Hezbollah doesn’t impose any candidate, and urging everybody to name their candidates so we can go for election in the parliament.
“The Lebanese caretaker government must resume its work despite all difficulties; and we hope that the parliament operates normally and this doesn’t affect the necessity of electing a president,” His Eminence also said.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Sayyed Nasrallah opposed the government’s appointment of a new governor for the Central Bank of Lebanon, as well as extending the mandate of the current governor.
At the end of his speech, the Hezbollah leader said “We, the Lebanese people, must take advantage of the positive atmosphere in the region,” stressing that “on the Arab level, there are no permanent hostilities.”
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Special Coverage | For the first time, the resistance’s missiles reach the city of Jerusalem
The absence of martyred leader Sayyed Mustafa Badreddine feels strange. He was exceptional and his star did not fade after his departure. His friends, companions, family, students, and fighting groups are all attached to his legacy and what he earned during his years of struggle.
This military commander of the Islamic Resistance was devoted to the Husseini path. Even though years have passed since his martyrdom, the image of Sayyed Zulfikar hasn’t left the minds of his loved ones and those who knew him from the time of his youth.
Sayyed Nawaf Al-Mousawi may have been the closest person to him. When you ask him about his comrade in heaven, he recalls the experiences they went through together.
Al-Mousawi has plenty of stories about the martyred leader. However, he believes that the names of martyred leader Hajj Imad Mughniyeh and Sayyed Mustafa Badreddine are inseparable, and you can’t talk about one without talking about the other.
As such, Al-Mousawi believes that the news about the assassination of Hajj Radwan had the same effect as that of Sayyed Zulfikar. The presence of both was reassuring. They were a shield and a sword.
He found in Sayyed Mustafa an amiable companion. Both shared a common revolutionary approach to which they belonged very early on in life.
“I was 15 years old in Ghobeiri High School, which was adjacent to his family’s home, but the first long meeting between us took place on Laylat al-Qadr. That was the very first time we marked it together,” said Al-Mousawi.
Sayyed’s chivalry
To Al-Moussawi, Sayyed Mustafa’s name means brotherhood, nobility, sincerity, and loyalty. Here, he recalls an incident that took place after the “Israeli” invasion of Beirut in 1982.
“At that time, Amin Gemayel’s forces deployed in the southern suburbs. Our capabilities were non-existent. I was returning with two brothers from the Imam Al-Reda Mosque in Bir Al-Abd after reciting Dua Kumayl,” he recalled.
“When we arrived at the Imam Al-Hussein Mosque, we met with our comrades there before a patrol consisting of four vehicles arrived. The two young men were arrested, and I managed to escape. I went directly to Sayyed Mustafa’s house in Ghobeiry, and he told me, ‘Let’s go.’ We set off in his father’s car, armed with a Kalashnikov. He was focused on the intelligence patrol and wanted to clash with them to free the two detainees, regardless of the patrol’s size.”
According to Hezbollah’s former MP, any oppressed person who sought the help of Sayyed Mustafa got it, and this is what distinguished him from any other figure. Rescuing the distressed is an attribute that accompanied him throughout his life.
Al- Mousawi quotes the martyred leader who insisted on referring to the martyrs by their actual names. He used to say, “Introduce Hajj Imad Mughniyeh by his name.”
The media man
Sayyed Mustafa laid the groundwork for the media during his work for the resistance throughout the period of his jihad. Al-Mousawi stated that the martyred leader realized early on the importance of the media and its impact on the military war.
That is why he effectively employed media and psychological tools during the years of confrontation with the Zionists and the Takfiris. He also forged relationships with journalists to preserve the legacy of resistance.
This was evident through his two biggest achievements – the Ansariya Operation, which led to the breaching of the broadcast of “Israeli” spy planes, and the operation to liquidate Erez Gerstein, the commander of the Liaison Unit in southern Lebanon during the occupation.
The brains are the crown of jihad
The war of brains is the crown of Sayyed Mustafa’s jihad. Al-Mousawi drew attention to this component that marked the latter’s career.
He explains that the great commander evaluated every military operation based on the performance of the Zionists and how the “Israelis” dealt with it. He took measures to contain the precautions the enemy supposedly took against the resistance groups. He also focused on the need to take advantage of the capabilities and ambushes that the enemy carried out, especially in terms of using explosives and ensuring the complete destruction of “Israeli” vehicles.
The great commander, according to al-Mousawi, came up with a military concept that has become a “constitution” that he never deviated from – never make the same mistakes twice, fight fiercely without incurring human losses as much as possible, and return with all the mujahideen alive.
Accordingly, he overcame all challenges and difficulties. In Syria, he was a lion that did not fear the enemy. He was not afraid to travel long distances and be stationed behind Takfiri lines, and he personally carried out most of the tasks.
Sayyed Mustafa confided to Al-Mousawi that the resistance’s first achievement in Syria was exposing all the Takfiri groups, including their compositions, places of deployment, and movement.
This enabled the martyred leader to recover one of the captive brothers from the heart of the fighting as soon as he knew where he was. He carried out a security operation in the Takfiri depth and detained a number of them. These prisoners were swapped for the captured resistance fighter.
Sayyed Mustafa has always stressed the importance of gathering extensive data so that losses are accurate, while combining security and military action to record significant achievements for the resistance.
Nearing the end
Seven years after losing his companion, Al-Mousawi recalls his
last meeting with Sayyed Mustafa.
“I met him shortly before his martyrdom. At that time, I went on a mission to Syria assigned to me by His Eminence the Secretary General of Hezbollah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah,” Al-Mousawi said.
“I stayed up with him [Sayyed Zulfiqar], and he felt that his death was near. He told me, ‘I know, since I walked this path, that I will be martyred in the end. Today, I know that all the elements are available, and I feel that they are close. The mission for which I came to Syria has been accomplished.’”
A hero and an amiable person, this is how Al-Mousawi saw Sayyed Mustafa. It is true that separation is difficult, but this exceptional figure does not leave him at all junctures. The path of jihad is long, and the battle does not know retreat; it is either victory or martyrdom, as Mustafa Badreddine once said.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi addresses during an exclusive interview with Al Mayadeen the numerous developments taking place in the region and in the international arena.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi during an exclusive interview for Al Mayadeen with the network’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ghassan Ben Jeddou, May 2, 2023
Private Dialogue | With Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi revealed new details regarding the rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran during an exclusive interview with Al Mayadeen that aired on Tuesday. Raisi also delved into various topics including Iran’s accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, ties to Syria, and Israeli threats.
During the interview, President Raisi underlined that Iran’s power and advancement have become a benchmark for other countries in the Global South that aim to fight global imperialist powers, in particular the United States, adding that despite the West’s decades-long inhumane sanctions and siege, the latest of which is the maximum pressure campaign imposed by the administration of former US President Donald Trump and continued by his successor President Joe Biden, the Islamic Republic continued its steady and remarkable growth and has deepened and developed its relations with international countries.
Raisi stressed that the Iranian nation has reached a conviction that they can manage their own affairs independently, and not rely on foreigners.
The Iranian President said that the wise leadership and strong guidance of the late Imam Khomeini, and now Iran’s leader Sayyed Khamenei, are the main element that established Iran’s power, security, and system.
To further emphasize the matter, Raisi stated that today the enemies are targeting the country’s foundations and its success, such as the faith of the Iranian people, their confidence to rely on themselves, and the guidance of the jurist – the pillar of the Islamic revolution.
The President emphasized that the Iranian people are the source of the country’s strength and that is the reason that enemies can’t commit any foolishness.
Raisi recalled the popular events commemorating the victory of the Islamic Revolution and International Al-Quds Day. The Iranian people covered the streets nationwide to take part in commemorating this event, he added.
Iran believes that the expertise accumulated by the Islamic Republic can be set as an example for other nations.
Iran-Saudi rapprochement behind the scenes
President Raisi announced that since he took office, his government’s policy is to prioritize establishing friendly ties with neighboring countries and developing bilateral relations in several areas, including the political, economic, cultural, and social fields.
Touching upon this matter, he stressed that religion, culture, and history are shared with the brotherly neighbors of Iran, including West Asia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, especially Islamic countries.
Raisi also revealed some details regarding the events that led to the rapprochement between Tehran and Riyadh.
There were preliminary security negotiations with Saudi Arabia in Baghdad that were initiated under the previous government, he said.
“During my visit to Beijing, the Chinese President [Xi Jinping] said that during his earlier visit to Saudi Arabia, he had reached a proposal,” and suggested that Iran and Saudi Arabia resume relations, Iran’s President stated.
Raisi said that he, at that time, expressed readiness to re-establish relations with Riyadh and that the initial steps toward Xi’s proposal were taken while he was in Beijing.
Xi in return told Raisi during the meeting that the Saudi leadership expressed their desire to restore relations with Iran and that he [Xi] will follow up on the mediation.
Remarking on Beijing’s mediating role, Raisi noted that some countries may not have wanted China to be the mediator, but Tehran regarded it in a positive manner.
“It was decided that a person be appointed by the Saudi government and that we send a representative and a delegation on our behalf for the bilateral dialogue between the two countries,” Raisi said.
“The King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia sent their National Security Adviser, and we also decided to send the Secretary of the National Security Council, and it was decided that they discuss issues of concern to the two countries, and it was also decided that political relations between the two countries would resume ties,” and this process will continue and further communication will be established, he confirmed.
Raisi continued that Iran and Saudi Arabia are two major countries in West Asia, and the two countries have an important and influential political and social impact in the region.
The relations between the two countries can bear many benefits for the region, the President said.
“Therefore, we welcomed the restoration of these relations, and certainly the relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and the rest of the Islamic countries, would help to exchange expertise between countries of the region.”
According to Raisi, the main and most important point [of restoring ties with Saudis] is that the nations of the region and of the Islamic world felt relieved by these relations and welcomed them, while the enemies were frustrated, including the Zionist entity that revealed its rage caused by the event.
The Zionists seek division between Islamic countries, while Iran believes that strategic unity is essential, he noted, adding that “Israel’s” strategy is to divide and conquer and to sow division, while the strategy of the Islamic Republic is one of unity and harmony.
“In my first speech after taking office, I declared frankly that we can negotiate with Saudi Arabia, and we are ready to resume the work of diplomatic missions in the two countries,” and to sit down with Saudis to resolve issues, he noted.
Raisi stressed that Iran believes that countries must make their own decisions and decide their own fates, and they must prevent any outside power from imposing its will on their political policies.
“For example, Lebanon and the Lebanese must decide [on how to solve their own issues]. We believe that foreign intervention in Lebanon is what causes problems in the country,” he said, stressing that “if the Lebanese decide, as well as the Yemenis, if they decide their own fate, and were able to carry out internal dialogues, then they can solve their problems.”
Foreign interference in countries only leads to creating problems and does not solve any problem, Raisi added.
New world order favors Resistance
Commenting on the Israeli occupation’s recent threats against Iran, the Iranian President assured that “the Zionist entity cannot compete with the Palestinian youth, and it cannot conquer Gaza, and it cannot challenge the West Bank,” adding that Israelis are also unable to provide security to their internal front.
“The circumstances today have greatly changed,” he underscored.
It has become apparent today that no treaties or normalization agreements can protect this entity, and that the rules of confrontation cannot be determined through political forums. Instead, it is the Palestinian Resistance that creates the conditions and it is they that hold the power to decide.
“The Zionist entity, whether in the thirty-three days war [July war on Lebanon] or in the twenty-two days war and the eleven-day war, faced a catastrophic failure, so how does this entity want to confront and attack the center of power and pride in the region, which is the Islamic Republic of Iran, and confront a nation that is present on the battlefronts with this might?”
The entity knows very well that it and its threats are mere lip service, Riaisi added.
Addressing the Arab nations, he advised people to listen to a comprehensive analysis made by Iranian leader Sayyed Khamenei earlier during the holy month of Ramadan, which concluded that the world is pivoting in the opposite direction to unipolarity and toward a new order.
“Today, the circumstances are pivoting in favor of the Resistance and against the Zionist entity,” said Raisi.
“Day after day, the Zionist entity is heading toward its demise,” the political and social situation within “Israel” is unprecedented, he added.
The demise of the entity and its protectors can be witnessed today, and all the Resistance front day after day is heading towards more strength and power, said the Iranian President.
“Therefore, I want to say clearly that the current conditions in the new world order are in favor of the Resistance and against the Zionist entity.”
Raisi continued, “The threats made by the Zionist entity are sometimes empty, and they know it.”
“The evidence for that is that they cannot confront the Resistance youth in Palestine and the region,” he said. “So how does it make threats about attacking Iran? This is farcical talk that no one in the world believes or takes seriously.”
Asked about Iran’s response to any Israeli attack on the Islamic Republic, the Iranian President said that the first response to the aggression would be catastrophic for the entity and would lead to its demise. “Because Iran’s power today is within the country, and Iran’s power in the region is of an unmistakable magnitude,” he explained.
“The first blunder and step made by the Zionist entity will be its last, and there will no longer be this thing called the Zionist entity to even take another step,” he warned.
“We have said and announced this in various forums, and they know very well that we are serious about this view, this step, and this decision.”
Israelis know that the initial Iranian response will lead to the collapse of the Iron Dome, Raisi said.
Syria integral to Axis of Resistance
With regard to Syria, Raisi said “Syria has always been on the frontlines of the Axis of Resistance, whether during the time of President Bashar Al-Assad’s father, the late Hafez Al-Assad, or during the tenure of President Bashar Al-Assad.”
The US, through the creation and funding of ISIS and the takfiri factions, and through the sowing of sedition in Syria, and other militant groups, was seeking to divide Syria, he said.
The Americans also incited the Arab countries against Syria, and the Arab countries also sought to settle their scores with Syria, he added.
However, despite thinking that Syria will collapse and the Resistance frontlines will fall through the internal war that broke out at the hands of the takfiri factions and through the Zionist support for them as well as the support of the US, the Islamic Republic of Iran stood with the Arab state, and it is perhaps the only country that supported the Syrian government and stood up to all the takfiri factions and separatist movements, and even to some regional states, he said.
“Today, the circumstances have drastically changed in Syria, and the difference is that it is known that the Resistance has paid off,” and with all fairness, “President Bashar Al-Assad has stood firm, and he deserves appreciation,” the Iranian president stressed.
He continued: “The Syrian people have also been courageous. They have proven that they are a people of Resistance and that this era of Resistance is considered a golden era in the history of Syria.”
Raisi praised the Syrian nation that fought “the enemies, the separatists, and the takfiri faction” with courage and faced and endured a lot of hardship, including many economic and security difficulties, but they withstood and fought against this global war on their country.
According to Raisi, Lebanon, Hezbollah, the Syrian people, and Iran were on the battlefront to prevent the nation from being carved up and divided, and the resistance of the Syrian people is worthy of praise, as the actions of the Syrian people and government are very impressive and bring pride.
At present time, he said, “many countries all over the world have come to the realization that Syria is not one to fail and be dealt defeats, and they have come to reconsider their ties with it.”
He also explained that Iran welcomes Syria’s rapprochement with numerous countries all over the world, especially those in the region and the Islamic World.
“The ties between Iran and Syria are highly strategic and highly important, and we stress that these relations will continue and span several spheres, including security, economy, and culture. We are two Muslim peoples, and our ties go way back. There exist many bonds between the two Muslim and brotherly peoples, and we hope that, under the leadership of leader Sayyed Khamenei, who fully stressed the need for the resistance to have a united front, […] the ties between the two countries will continue to develop,” he added.
“His Eminence, the Leader, and the government have announced many times that we will never regret supporting the resistance. In accordance with this policy, we never hesitate to support the resistance, and we will not hesitate. Ever. And my visit to Syria comes within the framework of supporting the resistance,” the Iranian President underlined.
“We must stress several issues related to Syria,” he said. “Firstly, the sovereignty of the Syrian government all over Syrian lands. We affirm this, and we believe that the US must leave Syria as soon as possible. We believe that Syrian sovereignty should prevail over all Syrian lands.”
“We, during the tripartite summit in Tehran, with the participation of Turkey and Russia, must emphasize emboldening Syria’s sovereignty over all Syrian lands. This is for the benefit of Syria and the benefit of the region.”
The second issue, he underlined is regarding the return of the Syrian refugees to their homes and cities.
Thirdly, he went on to say, a certainly important issue is the reconstruction of Syria. “Regarding the reconstruction of Syria, we are ready to cooperate with the Syrian people and government, and we, in the Islamic Republic, have highly qualified technical teams and companies capable of playing an important role in the reconstruction of Syria.”
Iran’s growing presence in the international arena
Iran extends its arm in friendship and cooperation to any country that seeks cooperation with it. From this point of view, Tehran is ready to deal and cooperate with all countries, whether within or outside the region.
“We condemn US unilateralism. We think we should not be under anyone’s authority, and we must not exercise authority over others. We believe that the countries of the world are not limited to three or four countries that consider themselves the rulers of the world, such as the United States. The Islamic Republic of Iran relies on constructive relations with all countries on the basis of common interests,” Raisi explained.
Iran has good relations with China and with Russia as well, he highlighted, noting that the Republic’s accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization provided it with a platform for cooperation with major countries in Asia.
“We consider that these relations are good relations for us, and we are ready to join BRICS, and this provides the Islamic Republic of Iran with new possibilities to play an important role using its own capabilities and abundant energies,” he said.
The United States, according to the Iranian President, is trying to sow despair among the Iranian people regarding their capabilities. However, the Islamic Republic stresses the cultivation of trust and hope, and there is evidence of its initiative in the various spheres within which the country operates.
“The enemy wanted to isolate us, limit our relations and hinder our presence in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and regional and international organizations, but its attempts were met with failure, and our relations with the world are growing by the day.”
Martyr Qassem Soleimani
Raisi also touched on the commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps’ Quds Force commander, Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, saying he was a hero in the fight against terrorism, lauding his role in the resistance struggle in Syria and Iraq. “He confronted the offensives of ISIS and the Takfiri groups through help from the popular resistance groups in Iraq and Syria, and he was successful.”
“In cooperation with the Iraqi and Syrian people, and in cooperation with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, he was able to eradicate the stream of terrorists,” he stressed.
Commenting on his raising of Soleimani’s photo at the UNGA, Raisi said he did that to show those who claim to be fighting terrorism that they “are assassinating the hero of the fight against terrorism. Who assassinated him? The US President at the time [Donald Trump].”
The assassination of Hajj Qassem Soleimani is the assassination of not only a prominent military figure, but also a strategic figure, a strategic person, and a man who was always on the battlefield who managed to simultaneously be a capable diplomat. “Such a person was assassinated by the Americans.”
Raisi also cited a saying by Iranian Revolutionary Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei when he said that “Martyr Hajj Qassem Soleimani is more dangerous than Hajj Qassem Soleimani himself,” pointing out that they thought that “by assassinating Hajj Qassem Soleimani, they would assassinate his thoughts, and they are today seeing the ramifications of this all over the region […] The people of the region and its youths are very proud of Soleimani, and he has become a school of thought for our people and the resistance’s youth all over the region.”
People of the region have faith in Nasrallah
Hezbollah, the Lebanese resistance movement, enjoys a special stature not only in Lebanon but in the region at large, whereby the party stands as a robust pillar of regional resistance.
On the day of the party’s inception – founded by martyr Sayyed Abbas Moussawi and persisted through the efforts of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and the revolutionary Lebanese youth – nobody would have expected that the Zionist entity would withdraw from south Lebanon.
“And later, when Hezbollah chivalrously withstood the large-scale Israeli aggression in the 2006 war, they proved, for the first time, that Israel is not invincible. Hezbollah inspired the Palestinian youth to stand up to the Zionist entity, which was evident through the First, Second, and Third Intifada,” he explained
“Today, we see the Palestinian youth admirably withstanding Israeli aggression and contending it. This is what they learned of Hezbollah in Lebanon. “
“Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah is a remarkable character. In addition to being a knowledgeable cleric, he is an excellent politician and revolutionary. He enjoys a remarkable flair for captivating the hearts of his audience, appealing to the different sects of the Lebanese constituency.”
Raisi emphasized that revolutionary youth all around the world look to Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah as a revolutionary icon of anti-imperialism.
“In Iran, specifically, we consider him a prominent individual, and we see his character as immortal in light of his struggle and resilience against the Zionist entity.”
Raisi also emphasized the special type of trust vested in Hezbollah by the Lebanese constituency and in Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah specifically, saying it was a special and deep relationship.
He also noted that he has heard that even from within the occupied territories, the Palestinians have a large degree of faith in Sayyed Nasrallah. He added that the relationship between Sayyed Nasrallah and all the Muslim nations, including Iran, is a deep relationship built on trust.
The Iranian people
The Iranian President underlined that the Iranian people have been convinced that they can stand up on their own two feet and independently manage their affairs, without reliance on foreign powers
“This confidence in their own capabilities has been engraved into the Iranian people’s minds, and this, in itself, is the key to the Iranian people’s success and victory.”
Raisi also lauded the role of the Iranian leadership and the directives of Iranian Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei, saying it was fair to say that his eminence “is leading the people through everything, and despite all the turmoil, he led the country and gave it strength.”
“The Iranian people have come to realize that this system is a tent, and the pillar propping it up is the guardian of the jurors and the leader of the Islamic Republic, therefore they trust both of these jurisdictions.”
Iran has today achieved self-sufficiency, and it has been able to be a leading country in the defense and nuclear sectors, he concluded.
غير المُقال في زيارة وزير الخارجية الإيراني حسين أمير عبد اللهيان أهمّ مما قيل. المُقال المعتاد، منه خصوصاً في أكثر من زيارة، دعم حكومته لبنان والجيش والمقاومة، واستعدادها تقديم مساعدات في قطاعات حيوية شتّى، وحضّه اللبنانيين على الاتفاق
(هيثم الموسوي)
غير المُقال في زيارة الوزير الإيراني أكثر أهمية تبعاً لتقاطع معلومات لدى أكثر من عاصمة، منها بيروت. غير المُقال هذا لم يُثَر في اللقاءات الرسمية، بل في الاجتماع الذي أُعلِن أن حسين أمير عبد اللهيان عقده أول من أمس مع الأمين العام لحزب الله السيد حسن نصر الله. فحوى الاهتمام بتوقيت الزيارة، المعلومات التي وصلت الى مسؤولين رسميين لبنانيين من عاصمة أوروبية، نقلاً عن «مسؤول سعودي»، بأن المملكة فتحت حواراً مع مَن عادتهم، بدءاً بإيران مروراً بسوريا ونظام الرئيس بشار الأسد و«قريباً» مع حزب الله.
معلومات غير رسمية في بيروت مُكمّلة لتلك، تحدثت متكتّمة عن التفاصيل عن أن «خط الحوار فُتح أو أوشك من خلال طرف ثالث». حصول هذا الحوار يعيد التذكير بالتواصل الأول واليتيم بين الطرفين، في لحظة إقليمية استثنائية، عندما استقبل الملك عبد الله في 4 كانون الثاني 2007 نائب الأمين العام الشيخ نعيم قاسم ونائب الحزب محمد فنيش خلال زيارتهما المملكة. بعد ذاك انقطع التواصل ودخلا في حرب إعلامية طويلة الأمد، بلغت ذروتها بعد تدخّل حزب الله في الحرب السورية.
سواء نجح المسعى أو أخفق، إلا أنه يعكس المرحلة الجديدة التي تعيد فيها الرياض ترتيب علاقاتها الإقليمية على طريق تأكيد زعامتها العربية، غير المسبوقة بزخم كهذا وحجم التحدّيات والمواجهات المعلنة وغير المعلنة التي تقودها، بدءاً من اليمن وصولاً الى لبنان ذهاباً الى الأميركيين، سوى خلال ولاية الملك فيصل بين عامَي 1963 و1975. أعلاها نبرة وثمناً باهظاً استخدامه سلاح النفط إبان الحرب العربية – الإسرائيلية عام 1973.
مع أن الزائر الإيراني لم يشأ الخوض في انتخابات الرئاسة اللبنانية مع مستقبليه، بمَن فيهم مَن فاتحوه فيها وطلبوا مساعدة حكومته، إلا أنه أعاد تأكيد أنها لا تتدخّل في الشؤون اللبنانية. الشقّ الآخر الذي لم يُفصح عنه علناً غير أنه سُمِع مراراً وتكراراً في طهران كما في دمشق، وهو أن كلتا العاصمتين المعنيتين بطريقة أو أخرى بالشأن اللبناني أكدتا أكثر من مرة أن ملف لبنان – بما فيه استحقاقه الرئاسي – بين يدَي حزب الله وأمينه العام بالذات كمرجعية وحيدة. لم تكن قد مرت أيام على سماع النائب السابق سليمان فرنجية، مرشح الثنائي الشيعي، الكلام نفسه من الأسد حاضّاً إياه على التنسيق مع نصر الله. في ما مضى، سمع العبارة نفسها رئيس حكومة تصريف الأعمال نجيب ميقاتي في 21 أيلول المنصرم لدى لقائه في نيويورك، على هامش اجتماعات الجمعية العمومية للأمم المتحدة، الرئيس الإيراني إبراهيم رئيسي، مطالباً إياه بالمساعدة على إنجاز الاستحقاق الوشيك آنذاك. مع أن ولاية الرئيس ميشال عون لم تكن قد انتهت ولا وقع الشغور، إلا أن رئيسي أخطر ميقاتي أن حكومته لا تتدخل في الشأن اللبناني.
تلك إشارة ضمنية تدلّ على المكان الصائب في حسبان الإيرانيين للتفاوض معه في انتخاب الرئيس، وهو حزب الله.
في ايران كما في سوريا موقف مشترك معمّم: راجعوا حزب الله
على أن الإشارات الإيجابية الدائرة في المنطقة لا تشي بالضرورة أن لبنان على طاولة التفاوض، أو في أحسن الأحوال يُنظر الى ملفّه على قدم المساواة مع الملفات الرئيسية المفتوحة مذ أعلن اتفاق بكين بين السعودية وإيران، كاليمن وسوريا قبل انفجار السودان كأول تعبير سلبي يجبه التحولات الأخيرة ويعيد السخونة الى المنطقة برمتها. بذلك مأزق الرئاسة مستمر الى أمد غير معروف لأسباب شتى:
أولا- رغم رسائل التطمين التي أرسلها فرنجية هذا الأسبوع الى المملكة ومناهضيه المسيحيين، محتمياً بقوة صلبة تقف الى جانبه هي الثنائي الشيعي، إلا أن القوة المقابلة له ليست أقل صلابة، سواء في عدم اتخاذ الرياض موقفاً إيجابياً من انتخابه، فيما الفرنسيون يتخبّطون بين الأوهام والأحلام. ليست الكتل المسيحية المناوئة لانتخاب فرنجية أقل تأثيراً من الثنائي في منع انتخابه. لا تراجع لكتلتَي النائب جبران باسيل وسمير جعجع عن رفض القبول بفرنجية. بينما قطع الأول المسافة الصعبة في الخلاف وربما القطيعة مع حزب الله في الإصرار على هذا الرفض، لا يجد الثاني صعوبة في الذهاب الى أكثر من تباين في الرأي مع المملكة إذا بَانَ أنها قد تحطّ في نهاية المطاف عند الزعيم الزغرتاوي.
الى الآن على الأقل، ليست متأهّبة لقلب موازين القوى في الداخل رأساً على عقب، ولا تبدو أنها تميل الى خيار كهذا في الظاهر. أن لا تقول الرياض إنها ضد فرنجية لا يفضي الى استنتاج صائب سليم أنها معه أو ستصبح معه قريباً.
ثانيا – لم تُضف تطمينات فرنجية الى الوقائع الحالية ما يعزّز حظوظه، المتقدمة في أي حال سواه دونما تمكينه من الوصول الى المنصب. لا يملك أقوى المرشحين من خلال الثنائي الشيعي وحلفائه الأكثرية المطلقة ولا الثلثين لفرض الانتخاب، ولا يملك كذلك خصومه أيّاً منهما. للرياض نصف المقاعد السنّية وهو سبب كافٍ كي لا تكون عاملاً مقرراً لانعقاد جلسة الانتخاب بالثلثين. أضعف الأفرقاء المهتمّين بالاستحقاق باريس. لا تملك مقعداً واحداً في البرلمان، ولا مَلَكَة المَوْنة على كتلة ما. مع أنها توحي بالظهور أنها قائدة حملة إخراج لبنان من شغوره، بيد أنها الطرف الأعزل العالق في غابة وحوش. وحده انضمام الأميركيين الى المعادلة الداخلية، بتفاهم أو غض طرف مع الثنائي الشيعي، يأتي بـ 86 نائباً على الأقل الى القاعة.
ثالثا – إذا صحّ أن السعودية وإيران تتعاملان مع ملفات المنطقة، كل على حدة، منفصل بعضها عن بعض، إلا أن الإشكالية اللبنانية الحالية بشقّيْها السياسي والطائفي تحتّم مقاربة ما بدأ في اليمن، مع ما يفترض أن يجري في لبنان: ما لم يسَع إيران أن تفعله وهو أن لا تعطي السعودية اليمن بلا الحوثيين، لا تملك أن تأخذ في لبنان في معزل عن المسيحيين. ليست المعادلة هذه إلا تأكيداً على الاعتراف المتبادل بالأحجام الواقعية الملزمة: أن يكون الحوثيون معترفاً بهم ومفاوِضين ومفاوَضين مع المملكة على أنهم شركاء في بناء نظام جديد للبلاد تلك، وأن يكون المسيحيون اللبنانيون هم الشركاء الفعليين في النظام اللبناني، وخصوصاً موقعهم ودورهم وخياراتهم في رئاسة الدولة. لأن استقرار اليمن يتطلب شراكة حقيقية للحوثيين، المسار نفسه لاستقرار لبنان بالاعتراف بشراكة حقيقية للمسيحيين فيه.
Day after another, the Israeli army becomes convinced by an old hypothesis that the Zionist entity will engage in a multi-front confrontation. The recent resistance operations extending from the north to the south, all the way to occupied Palestine interior- the latest of which could have rolled into a wide round of fighting- only weighed this hypothesis as well.
Meanwhile, the recent operations imposed a pressure on both the political and security institutions in the occupation regime, as it deepened the state of confusion within the Israeli leadership.
However, such Israeli estimations not only did begin with the outbreak of the last “rocketry round” in the third week of the holy month of Ramadan, but rather that the latter represented a modest translation of a scenario present by the occupation leadership years ago.
Perhaps the “Chariots of Fire” military exercise, which was scheduled for 2021 and was postponed till 2022 due to the “Seif Al-Quds” battle, indicated that this scenario had been on the table since before.
According to Israeli estimates, Iran has made significant strides in its plan to deploy missiles, drones and advanced weapons around the Zionist entity, turning the occupied territories from the north to the south into a real battlefield.
As a result, the enemy lives with an obsession that it will face a harsh confrontation that simultaneously includes Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen, all the way to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, especially since it is expected, in this case, to be subjected to destruction on scales that it has not witnessed throughout its history.
These estimates raised the level of concerns in the Israeli regime living with a permanent state of fear over any conflict in the region.
And what makes the picture more bleak for ‘Israel’ is that the multi-front war scenario, with its military and strategic risks, comes at a time when the Zionist entity finds itself “drowned in the most serious internal crisis in its history, while its prime minister is Benjamin Netanyahu, who promised to put Iran at the top of his priorities, is busy trying to save himself from the court’s ruling, as the people are divided,” said Chuck Freilich, former deputy national security adviser, as reported by Yedioth Ahronoth (April 19,2023).
Freilich added, “Saudi Arabia and the UAE have restored their relations with Iran, and Egypt is on the way to do so, as the regional alliance that Israel sought to build is disintegrating, with Iran’s relations with China and Russia deepening, and the crisis in our relationship with the United States is deep,” to conclude that “all the strategy that Netanyahu built has collapsed.”
The battles on more than one front have ceased, but the messages behind Megiddo operation and the subsequent missile strikes from Lebanon, Syria and Gaza against ‘Israel’ are still echoed by assessment and decision-making bodies across the Zionist entity.
In depth, the enemy’s institutions view the security developments that have taken place in recent weeks as a new phase that is highly intertwined, complex, and completely different from what they are familiar with in the maneuvers that simulated such scenarios.
Perhaps what frightens ‘Israel’ in this stage is that if it decides to retaliate it will find itself engaged in a multi-front battle that it fears and has been trying to avoid, while if it refrains from doing so, it will have accepted the erosion of its deterrent power.
The Israeli Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, confirmed in a security assessment session (on April 20) that ‘Israel’ is “at the end of the era of limited confrontations,” and that it is thus entering “a new security era that poses a real threat in all arenas at the same time.”
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant
Gallant remarks reflect a shift in the conscious of the Israeli security institution and anticipate the Israeli decision makers’ cautious behavior towards its options in a bid to avoid a dangerous scenario that is seen by the Israelis as the “Day of Resurrection”.
The Israeli DM summed up this shift by the Israeli military establishment, and behind it the political establishment as well, by saying: “We have worked for years to assume that we can engage in limited conflicts, but this phenomenon is disappearing. Today there is a clear phenomenon, which is the united fronts.”
Gallant also expressed that Iran is the “driving force” for this phenomenon by providing “resources, ideology, knowledge and training for its proxies,” adding that the increasing dependence of all these powers on Iran prompts the Islamic Republic to “defy Israel.”
On the other hand, Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah was clear in his recent speech on the occasion of “International Al-Quds Day” (April 14), where he warned the enemy against relying on a policy that aims at engaging in a single battle based on the assessment that the people of the region do not want a war.
“This is a dangerous game,” Sayyed Nasrallah said, warning that the occupation’s calculations may drag the region into an all-out war, which will necessarily be multi-fronts.
For its part, the Israeli cabinet held a session on the threat emanating from Lebanon and Syria. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deliberately coincided the session with the “Holocaust” anniversary, and “in the presence of all the security leadership in ‘Israel’, with the aim of sending a message of strength”, according to the Hebrew “Kan” channel.
Other reports stated that the session discussed the scenario of escalation on the northern front, as a result of a possible escalation in Gaza, according to the estimates of the Israeli security and military establishments.
As a result, the Israeli stances, as well as the political performance, reveal that the Zionist regime deals with all seriousness with the fact that the region has entered a new phase, with which the hypothesis of the multi-front battle has become more present on the table, prompting ‘Israel’ to discuss its possible options regarding it, especially in light of doubts over Tel Aviv’s readiness to wage such a battle.
Hence, the occupation’s limited response during the latest round is understood, as well as its focus on neutralizing “Hezbollah”, in a bid to avoid acts of reprisals.
Nevertheless, the realization of the multi-front scenario depends on a number of factors, including the possibility of the Israeli miscalculations, which will make it as if it is treading a regional mine that will explode and topple its internal front and the interests of its American sponsor in the region.
Iranian foreign minister Hussein Amirabdollahian on Lebanon border eying Occupied Palestine
The Iranian foreign minister Hussein Amirabdollahian visited the Lebanese southern town of Maroun Al-Ras, overlooking the border area with the occupied Palestinian territories.
The two members of the Loyalty to Resistance parliamentary bloc, Hasan Fadlallah and Hasan Ezeddine, in addition to a host of municipal and social figures welcomed the Iranian top diplomat.
Planting an olive tree in Iran’s Park in the town, Amirabdollahian reiterated the Iranian support to the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon.
“We are here in the border town of Maroun Al-Ras to announce again and loudly that we support the Resistance in Lebanon against the Zionist occupation,” Amirabdollahian said.
“The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon has proved that the Zionist entity does not understand but the rhetoric of power.”
The Middle East has started a stage of collaboration, the Iranian foreign minister said, adding that the future of the regional states is bright.
All the developments in the region will lead to the isolation and collapse of the Zionist entity, Amirabdollahian affirmed.
Iranian foreign minister Hussein Amirabdollahian
In turn, MP Hasan Fadlallah thanked the Iranian minister for his country’s renewed power offers to Lebanon, calling on the Lebanon authorities to respond positively to the Iranian initiatives.
Member of Loyalty to Resistance parliamentary bloc MP Hasan Fadlallah
Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah received Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the Lebanese party’s Media Relations Office announced on Friday.
Sayyed Nasrallah and the visiting Iranian FM discussed latest developments in the region including the Saud-Iranian deal and its regional repercussions, a statement by the Media Relations Office read.
The two also tackled latest events in Lebanon and occupied Palestine, the statement added, noting that Iranian Ambassador in Beirut Mujtaba Amani was present at the meeting.
Hezbollah S.G. Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah in a meeting with Iranian FM Hussein Amirabdollahian (Friday, April 28, 2023).
Amirabdollahian Meets Nakhallah
Secretary General of the Islamic Jihad Movement of Palestine Ziyad Al-Nakhaleh says that the Israeli regime is on the path of decline and destruction.
Al-Nakhaleh made the remarks in a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Beirut on Thursday.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the latest regional developments, the recent Zionists’ attacks, and the resistance of the Palestinians against the Israeli regime forces.
Referring to the principled policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in supporting the oppressed Palestinian nation against the Zionist regime, Amir-Abdollahian emphasized the necessity of unification of Palestinian groups as well as the unity of Muslim governments and nations in supporting the Palestinian nation and taking effective and deterrent measures against the aggressive actions of the Zionists against the Palestinians and Islamic holy places.
Al-Nakhaleh, for his part, hailed the political support of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Palestine in regional and international forums, adding that the Palestinian Resistance groups are in their best position now.
Amirabdollahian also held a phone call with Hamas chief in Gaza Yahya Al-Sinwar, reiterating the Iranian support to the Palestinian people and Resistance.
For his part, Al-Sinwar hailed the Iranian support, underlining the importance of the regional reconciliations reached by the Iranian diplomacy.
The top Iranian diplomat arrived in Beirut on Wednesday. He held several meetings with Lebanese caretaker PM Najib Mikati, Speaker Nabih Berri and FM Abdallah Bou Habib.
Hezbollah Secretary General His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah delivered on Friday a speech in the festival held to celebrate International Al-Quds Day 2023.
At the beginning of his speech Sayyed Nasrallah reminded that “The April 1996 understanding established the foundations for the era the resistance’s victories against ‘Israel’.”
He further explained that “Al-Quds Day is a day for Palestine, its sanctities whether Islamic or Christian and a day for unity in support for the oppressed Palestinian people.”
“Al-Quds Day is a day of solidarity for the honorable people of the world with Palestine, Al-Quds and its oppressed people,” His Eminence stated, noting that “The victory we will achieve is thanks to the peoples and the leaders’ shouldering of their responsibilities towards Palestine.”
In parallel, the Resistance Leader underlined that “The ‘Israeli’ entity declared alert on all fronts and is suffering fear and anxiety, while the axis of resistance is on top of relief.”
To the daring Palestinian people, women and men, Christians and Muslims, Sayyed Nasrallah assured that his Hezbollah “will support you and you are not alone.”
According to His Eminence, “There are major developments that took place on the international level and within the Zionist entity; and when we assess this, we find that our axis is in a positive situation.”
“Another evidence on the US retreat is its defeat in Afghanistan,” he stated, pointing out that “The American defeat in Afghanistan triggered a regional earthquake, and its consequences are appearing successively.”
On another level, Hezbollah Secretary General underscored that “The US had to retreat in Venezuela after its economic and political blockade on the country.”
In addition, His Eminence revealed that “Gulf officials told us that they are convinced that the US can’t be relied upon to protect a regime or a country.”
“Bilateral relations and dialogue between the countries of the region shape its security and stability,” he emphasized, recalling that “Some Arab countries’ normalization with ‘Israel’ came as an implementation to US order, not as some ‘Israeli’ officials claim.”
Sayyed Nasrallah went on to say: “The NATO war with Russia, and the US confrontation with China regarding Taiwan make the US busy and ‘Israel’ concerned.”
“The unfolding international transformation has great advantages for the Axis of Resistance,” he confirmed, noting that “Today, the axis of resistance emerged strong and effective in face of the US wars in the region during the past decade.”
Hailing the recover of relations between Syria and a number of Arab countries and the return of the political relations, His Eminence stressed that “Turkey wants to have ties with Syria yet the Syrian leadership is setting normal conditions for restoring such ties.”
Sayyed Nasrallah also welcomed the atmosphere emanating from Yemen and Saudi Arabia that “calls for optimism, and makes us happy.”
“All the upcoming developments from Yemen and Saudi Arabia raise hope,” he said, reiterating that “We have been calling for ending the war on Yemen since day one of the aggression.”
To the Iraqi people, Popular Mobilization Units, and resistance factions, the Resistance Leader affirmed “We harbor great hopes on you.”
Meanwhile, Sayyed Nasrallah viewed that “The Saudi-Iranian deal has positive impact especially on the level of curbing normalization with the ‘Israeli’ entity.”
“Some have been talking of the formation of a Sunni-‘Israeli’ axis, or an Arab-‘Israeli’ axis against Iran, but this has failed,” he assured, pointing out that “The real support for the resistance is Iran under the leadership of Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei, and thus and this is why it was blockaded and battled.”
Moving to internal “Israeli” arena, His Eminence explained that “The so-called ‘Israeli” judicial reform revealed all the divisions in the ‘Israeli’ entity, and it is a non-bloody war of abolition led by Netanyahu and his extremist team.”
“The division in ‘Israel’ would have turned into a bloody war had it not been for the American intervention and the visits of its officials,” he asserted, unveiling that “There is a dangerous and horrible backtrack of the fighting spirituality for the sake of the ‘Israeli’ entity.”
As His Eminence praised the Palestinian Resistance in Occupied Al-Quds and the West Bank, Sayyed Nasrallah mentioned that “There is a heroic resistance in the West Bank and al-Quds, sacrifice, martyrdom, and insistence to be present in the Aqsa Mosque; this is a major development.”
Commenting on the recent rockets that were launched from South Lebanon towards the Occupied Palestinian territories, he described the incident as “a major one given the ongoing situation since 2006.”
“We believe that the policy of silence terrifies and concerns the enemy,” he stated, noting that “The enemy that threatens the Lebanese people and bombs Syria must remain concerned and terrified; this cements the balance of deterrence and the rules of engagement.”
In addition, Sayyed Nasrallah confirmed: “The balance of deterrence made the ‘Israeli’ response limited and ridiculous.”
“The ‘Israelis’ thought that they made an achievement by not attacking Hezbollah after the shelling that was launched from South Lebanon,” His Eminence said, noting that “The ‘Israelis’ didn’t bomb any infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah, it only bombed a banana field.”
He underscored that “The ‘Israeli’ told its people lies and everybody knows that what was bombed is not a Hezbollah site; this reflects its weakness. Among [‘Israeli’ PM Benjamin] Netanyahu’s lies were that [Yaair] Lapid’s government has signed a deal with Hezbollah, which everybody knows that this is a lie.”
To Bibi, Hezbollah Secretary General sent a sounding message: “Netanyahu threatens the resistance and we threaten him too… and days will decide… Any security incident that takes place in Lebanon will be answered without hesitation.”
Regarding the developments along the Syrian border, Sayyed Nasrallah stressed that “When the Syrian Army is deployed along hundred kilometers-long fighting line, don’t ask them to open another front.”
“The Syrian stance towards the ‘Israeli’ hostilities might change at any moment,” he said, noting that “What happened in the past week regarding the drones in South Syria is a signal that the Syrian stance would possibly change.”
Back to the Palestinian front, Sayyed Nasrallah acknowledged that “The West Bank is the shield of al-Quds with its patience, steadfastness, resistance, and tolerance.”
“For the Palestinian people to remain defiance in the West Bank and al-Quds, we must support them with money and arms… When we say the “West Bank is al-Quds Shield”, this equals that it is duty to support the West Bank,” His Eminence affirmed, noting that “The ‘Israeli’ game in al-Quds, Lebanon or Syria might lead the region to a bigger war.”
In addition, he warned that “The enemy’s foolishness, especially in the past few months, would push the region to a war.”
To the ‘Israelis’, the Resistance Leader threatened: “Beware! Al-Quds is a red line!”
“Lebanon, which made its victory in 2000, is with all the honorable and free people; we are with Palestine and won’t abandon it,” Sayyed Nasrallah concluded.
The repercussions of the Saudi and Iranian agreement are rapidly emerging
Al-Hadath Studio with the speech of the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, on International Al-Quds Day
In conjunction with International Al-Quds Day.. Military alert and strict security measures for the occupation forces
The paths of Jerusalem
An American movement towards Riyadh coincided with the presence of the Saudi negotiating delegation in Sanaa!
We will go into the sea towards Jerusalem… Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Gaza
A review of units of the naval forces on the coast of Hodeidah on the occasion of International Quds Day
The Al-Quds Tribune event, which convenes the leaders of the Resistance Axis movements in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, Iraq, and Bahrain, has commenced on Thursday with resounding zeal.
This annual affair, held on the momentous occasion of International Al-Quds Day, transpires amidst the backdrop of ongoing and wide-reaching events unfurling in the occupied Palestinian territories, punctuated by a brazen Zionist endeavor to commandeer and Judaize Al-Aqsa Mosque.
This gathering of eminent and valiant leaders serves as a powerful testament to the unity that pervades the arenas of resistance throughout the Islamic world, as well as to the nation’s steadfast readiness to expend all that is dear and precious to safeguard its sacred domains and thwart the pernicious schemes of Zionist Judaization.
Assembled in solidarity, these leaders avow to hold steadfast to their cause, unyielding in their determination to fight until liberation is secured, and to establish a bright future replete with freedom, dignity, and justice for all.
Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah stressed that marking Al-Quds Day is part of the battle aimed at liberating the entire Palestine from the Israeli occupation.
Sayyed Nasrallah indicated that, year after year, it is reaffirmed that that marking International Quds Day, which was declared by Imam Khomeini more than 40 years ago and confirmed by Imam Khamenei, is an essential and real part of the great battle that our nation and people have waged in order to liberate Jerusalem and Palestine, all of Palestine.
The axis of resistance and all its components–states, movements, and people have been always at the forefront of the battle.
Sayyed Nasrallah pointed that, every year on the last Friday of the month of Ramadan, all minds, hearts, wills, feelings, arenas, squares, fronts, fists, forearms, platforms, voices, throats, and pens converge on the centrality of Al-Quds and its cause as well as the project to restore it from the clutches of the occupation.
His eminence highlighted the importance of taking into consideration all the annual developments in the occupation entity, the region as well as the whole world, considering that all those developments serve the resistance battle against the Israeli occupation and the US hegemony.
Sayyed Nasrallah said that, internationally, the world is moving steadily towards a multipolar world order, which ends the hegemony of the one pole, represented by the United States of America, the absolute protector of the Zionist entity
Sayyed Nasrallah highlighted also the latest developments of the confrontation in Ukraine, the conflict between Russia and NATO as well as USA, the escalating tensions between China and the United States of America, and the European confusion in this regard.
Regionally, Sayyed Nasrallah underscored the importance of the Iranian-Saudi agreement in China, stressing that it reflects the failure of terrorist schemes and the tendency to maintain calm and run dialogues to resolve differences.
Hezbollah Secretary General also noted that the latest regional developments block all the sedition ways which harm the Umma and serve the Zionist schemes, maintaining that the restored contacts between some Arab countries and Syria would negatively affect the normalization path and the Israeli plot to establish an Arab axis to confront the axis of resistance.
Sayyed Nasrallah stressed that Hezbollah has been tracking the Zionist crises for several years, adding that the extent of differences and divisions in the occupation entity is unprecedented since 1948.
Sayyed Nasrallah stressed that the escalating armed resistance in the West Bank, the popular support to the resistance fighters inside and outside Palestine, the youths participation in the clashes with the Zionst occupation forces, the Palestinian persistence and insistence versus the Zionist confusion and fear, and the growing capabilities of the resistance in the Gaza have maintained the fraternity of victory.
Sayyed Nasrallah concluded his address by reiterating he importance of militarily supporting the Palestinian resistance in West Bank which comprises Al-Quds shield and protects the Islamic and Christian sanctities in the Holy City.
Hezbollah Secretray General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah
The Secretary-General of the Islamic Jihad Movement, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, delivered a powerful speech during the annual ‘Tribune of Al-Quds’ activity, highlighting the significance of International Al-Quds Day.
“Quds Day summarizes history, abbreviates geography, and becomes the title of the rise of a nation that possesses absolute certainty of victory and the liberation of Palestine, Al-Quds (Jerusalem) and its mosque (Al-Aqsa),” he proclaimed.
Al-Nakhalah expressed his concern over the continued oppression and bloodshed in Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa mosque. He emphasized that the Zionist invaders are constantly trampling on everything that is sacred to the Palestinian people. Furthermore, he called on the Arab and Muslim nations to recognize the reality of the situation and join the resistance against the usurping regime of Israel.
“On Quds Day, here are the arenas of resistance confirming their presence and support for the Palestinian people and resistance,” Al-Nakhalah stated. He expressed his confidence that the resistance will continue to raise its flag everywhere and that the Palestinian people will remain steadfast in their struggle for freedom.
He concluded by affirming the unwavering commitment to unity “as a nation with a unified message, and we declare that Al-Quds is our symbol of determination and resilience.” “We vow to continue our fight for liberation until victory is achieved, and Al-Quds remains the beacon of hope for our cause,” he ended up saying.
Islamic Jihad Chief Ziad Nakhala
In his address at the annual Al-Quds Tribune event on the occasion of International Al-Quds Day, Archbishop Atallah Hanna of the Greek Orthodox Church emphasized that Al-Quds is a trust in the necks of all people. He asserted that unity among Palestinians is a powerful force, and that they will remain united in this holy city, regardless of religious differences.
The Archbishop further denounced the conspiracy of those who storm Al-Aqsa and seek to violate its sanctities, be they Islamic or Christian, and emphasized that the occupation seeks to uproot and alienate the Palestinian people and obliterate the features of the city. Nevertheless, Archbishop Hanna reiterated that the occupation will not succeed in its plans because the Palestinian people will remain steadfast in their defence of their rights and principles.
“Jerusalem is the symbol of the unity of Christian and Muslim sons who coexist in the city, and it represents a crucial address for the Palestinian people,” he said.
Archbishop Hanna issued an appeal to all Christian and Muslim religious authorities for the need of interaction, cooperation, and consultation to preserve the sanctity of Jerusalem, which is the cradle of their shared history, heritage, and identity. He stressed that Al-Quds Day is an opportunity to remind everyone of their responsibilities towards Al-Quds, the city that awaits the return of the Palestinian people, so that it can once again become the capital of Palestine and a destination for free people everywhere. “Despite the conspiracies and the ambitions of the occupation, the Palestinian people remain determined to remain in their homeland, defending their sacred part of the world in the name of the entire nation.”
Archbishop Atallah Hanna of the Greek Orthodox Church
For his part, the esteemed Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, renowned preacher of the revered Al-Aqsa Mosque, emphasized the importance of Jerusalem in our daily lives, stressing that it must be firmly rooted in our hearts, souls, and minds at all times.
Speaking at the annual “Al-Quds Tribune” event, commemorating the momentous occasion of International Al-Quds Day, Sheikh Sabri emphasized that Jerusalem is not only the axis of Palestine but also the focal point of the Islamic world. He further expounded that the cause of Al-Quds is an unyielding and indelible one, an issue that will persist as long as there are individuals who believe in it and hold it as the center of their aspirations.
Sheikh Ekrima Sabri
Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim emphasized the significance of International Al-Quds Day and its potential to bring the nation together on the truth, righteousness, and piety. He stressed the importance of uniting behind the noble mosques of Al-Aqsa and the Holy Mosque, which attract the hearts of the nation and hold a connection to the missionary role of the Messenger of God and Islam. Sheikh Qassim noted that the issue of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Al-Quds, and Palestine is not only an issue for Muslims but also an issue for all of humanity.
Despite the political troubles faced by the Bahraini people, Sheikh Qassim affirmed that Islam and the Islamic countries hold a significant position in the mentality, psyche, and will of the people, and they remain committed to supporting the truth and justice of every cause of Islam, Muslims, and their lands. Sheikh Qassim expressed his greetings and support to the resistance youth in the West Bank and Al-Quds and all resistance fighters on behalf of Palestine, Al-Quds, and Al-Aqsa. He stated that the entire nation that is sincere with them will support them along the line as long as life lasts.
A total of 27 years has passed since “Israel’s” Grapes of Wrath Operation in 1996. The enemy sought to break the resistance and violate Lebanon’s sovereignty and that of its people. But the grapes turned sour and “Israel” was soon getting a bitter taste of regret and defeat.
This is the anniversary of the wounds inflicted on the shield that protected civilians in Lebanon and secured recognition for the right of the Lebanese to resist. On this occasion Al-Ahed News sat down with the Deputy Secretary General of Hezbollah His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem.
He took us back to the days of the difficult negotiations in Damascus that paved the way for what became known as the Israeli–Lebanese Ceasefire Understanding. He also shed light on the role of late Syrian President Hafez al-Assad in its success and his cooperation with Hezbollah Secretary General His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was in Damascus at the time.
Furthermore, Sheikh Qassem told Al-Ahed about the role of a “central military official” at the time – the martyred commander Sayyed Mustafa Badr al-Din.
“He prepared the fighters in an organized way; he had a strategic mind; he loved precision in his work and planned everything; and he was known to be a disciplined person in the sense that he desired a high degree of discipline and equipped the fighters with the best types of equipment, weapons, and capabilities. He provided supplies, means of transportation, hiding places and hiding in a distinctive way. He was the military commander in this battle and was keen to ensure that the number of missiles being fired never decreased.”
Sheikh Qassem was referring to Sayyed Badr al-Din’s role in maintaining the rate of rocket fire throughout the war and the divine guidance that accompanied the process.
He also touched on the Secretary General’s statement during the aggression, which came to serve as a principle for Hezbollah – “Hezbollah will not sign the same document as the ‘Israelis’”. Sheikh Qassem explained how the party applied it in all subsequent events.
The Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General also used the interview to send a message to Palestine, its people, and its resistance in the climate of the approaching International Quds Day:
You have proven your true worth through sacrifices, martyrs, and the wounded and through the participation of men, women, children, and everyone in resisting the occupier. It turns out that when some capabilities are available to you, you at the forefront, you give your souls and your money and you sacrifice your homes.
This people are great people, and I am confident that they will be victorious and will liberate Palestine and Al-Quds, God willing, and it is only a matter of time. A country with such a people can only triumph.
On another note, Sheikh Qassem pointed out the positive effects of the Saudi-Iranian rapprochement on the region.
Below is the full transcript of the interview:
Q – On the anniversary of the April 1996 aggression, during which the resistance established the first equation for the protection of civilians, how did this equation develop as “Israel” is known to study its options well before initiating any aggression on Lebanese territory?
A – The April aggression is the second juncture in the post-1993 broad “Israeli” attacks. The aim of the aggression was to stop the resistance, incite the Lebanese public against it, and obtain an international resolution, one way or another, that would restrict the resistance.
But the steadfastness of the resistance, the continuous bombing of the settlements, the pace of the barrage and the number of missiles launched daily, which showed the “Israelis” that the resistance was not diminishing and that its capabilities were not weakened, are all important factors.
We succeeded in letting the enemy understand that the battle is long and that it cannot defeat Hezbollah and that if it continues, it will pay a heavy price which entails the continuous bombing of the settlements in northern Palestine.
We see the April Understanding as “Israeli” and international recognition of that fact that resisting is a legitimate act and that the mutual bombing and reaction by the resistance is an acceptable response because it is self-defense and the defense of the Lebanese citizens, and this is an important equation.
In fact, we were bombing because they were bombing civilians in general. Otherwise, we consider the “Israeli” soldiers and not the settlements as our main target.
Hence, in the face of the aggression in April 1996, we established an understanding that is meant to protect civilians by threatening to bomb “civilians” in the “Israeli” entity. I can say that this is the first equation that strikes a balance between civilians and “civilians”.
However, this equation laid the foundation for another equation that took place after 2006, when the balance of deterrence became much more comprehensive without a written understanding.
In other words, today if “Israel” attacks anyone in Lebanon and if carries out military attacks on any region or citizen, there will be a response against the “Israeli” entity.
This new equation is the fruit of the April Understanding. There is a balance between civilians and “civilians”, but in a developed way. It has now become an equation of a balanced deterrence that includes all of Lebanon, not just civilians in Lebanon. This is a great achievement.
The Syrian role during April 1996
Q – What did Syria represent to the resistance at that time, especially during the negotiations? Did this role change or develop during the July 2006 war? What about this relationship today?
A – Syria’s role, especially that of President Hafez al-Assad, during the April 1996 aggression was central and essential.
“Israel” was in Sharm el-Sheikh, and all the talk at the conference was about not disturbing “Israel”, preventing the resistance from working, and protecting “Israel”. All of this was sponsored by America.
So, nothing has changed for us between the past and present. The Americans directly attack us. The latest of which, as we know in Lebanon, are the sanctions against the Lebanese, offering complete cover for the July 2006 aggression, trying to cause chaos in Lebanon, controlling and trying to prevent institutions from functioning normally, and the people backed by the embassies adopting the popular movement in 2019 in an attempt to direct hostility towards the resistance and Lebanon. American behavior has always been on the side of “Israel”.
Q – Sayyed Zulfiqar was the cornerstone of confrontation in that aggression. What do you remember of his strength during those days? What was his presence like?
A – Sayyed Mustafa Badr al-Din “Zulfiqar” was the central military official. He prepared the fighters in an organized way; he had a strategic mind; he loved precision in his work and planned everything; and he was known to be a disciplined person in the sense that he desired a high degree of discipline and equipped the fighters with the best types of equipment, weapons, and capabilities. He provided supplies, means of transportation, hiding places and hiding in a distinctive way.
He was the military commander in this battle and was keen to ensure that the number of missiles being fired never decreased.
I remember back then, the plan was to make sure there were enough missiles along the posts on the frontlines to last for several days, and if they needed additional projectiles, some would be transferred from the villages north of the river or sometimes from the Bekaa or Beirut.
Due to the ferocity of the battle, ammunition and rockets were consumed quickly, causing a shortage. Had this same pace continued, the “Israelis” would have felt, after a few days, that we have reduced the number of missiles that we will be launching.
Sayyed Zulfiqar believed that we should continue and look for any way to move the missiles to the frontline posts.
Thanks to God Almighty’s support, clouds appeared in the skies of April, blocking the “Israelis’” view. So, the brothers moved large quantities of missiles to the frontline positions.
Because of Sayyed Zulfiqar’s boldness, he agreed that the pace continue despite the danger of it stopping after a few days. This is one form of divine guidance.
Q – During the negotiations, the Secretary General of Hezbollah said that Hezbollah will not sign the same document as the “Israelis”. How did this principle remain constant in the events that followed, up to the agreement to stop military operations in July 2006, and all prisoner exchanges, as well as others that led to the protection of Lebanon and its wealth?
A – We had a discussion in the Shura Council led by His Eminence the Secretary General on how a group of countries could sponsor this understanding without having Hezbollah’s signature, and we are the main stakeholders.
Since we cannot sign on a document that has “Israel’s” signature, the solution was naming Lebanon as the representative of the resistance. Therefore, it was possible for Lebanon to sign the understanding document that had the signatures of major countries, including America and France. Syria’s signature was there too.
Lebanon acted as the official signatory because it was trying to deal with major countries and trying to bind the “Israeli” entity, which has no respect for any covenant or pact. Meanwhile, Hezbollah did not sign the understanding.
Technically, the April Understanding does not have Hezbollah’s signature, even though it was a written understanding. But it does have the signature of the Lebanese state.
Later, the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 was passed in 2006. This international resolution did not need to be signed because it was issued by the Security Council.
Then, during the demarcation of the maritime borders, an agreement was reached with the Lebanese state that there would be two separate copies. The “Israelis” would sign one, and the Lebanese would sign the other. The two copies would go to the United Nations. This means that the signatures were not on the same paper.
We maintained this practice at all stages, and Hezbollah did not sign on the same document as the “Israelis”. Even during prisoner swaps, the exchange took place through a mediator. We never engaged in direct discussions or signed the same documents as part of keeping our distance and not recognizing the “Israeli” entity. As a resistance, we had to establish the project of fully rejecting this entity and refusing to legitimize it, even partially.
Q – What are the implications of what we have witnessed during the past few days, when the “Israeli” entity came under missile attacks from several fronts in response to the violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque? Has the Zionist entity become more vulnerable to shakes as a result of the unity of the resistance axis?
A – Before we discuss the source of the missiles that were launched from Lebanon, the Golan Heights, Gaza, or any other place, we must talk about the “Israeli” aggression against Al-Quds and the Palestinians, whether in the West Bank, Al-Quds and its surroundings, or Gaza. This is where the primary responsibility lies.
So, when the world talks about missiles launched from here or there, I consider this the wrong discussion. The discussion should be, “Why is “Israel” attacking?” The Palestinians have the right to defend themselves in the ways they see fit, and we are not here to justify any action.
But we are talking about principles and rules. The question must be: Why does the world not stop the Zionist attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque and put an end to the “Israeli” crimes against the Palestinians? This is the question and not where the missiles were launched from.
Q – There has been a lot of talk in the “Israeli” media in recent weeks about the role of Hezbollah, not only on the southern borders with occupied Palestine, but also along the borders all the way to the occupied Golan. What is the truth about this role with this expansion?
A – Hezbollah is present in Lebanon, and its resistance emanates from Lebanon. Those who are resisting the temporary “Israeli” entity in the region are the Palestinian people and the other forces in and surrounding Palestine. Hezbollah does not hide that it supports anyone who resists “Israel” anywhere, and we consider that the Palestinians have every right to fight “Israel” inside Palestine and to liberate Palestine and Al-Quds. We are by their side and support them. They are the compass, and we support and fight to liberate the land in the way we see fit.
Q – In the Quds Day climate and with the escalating situation in Al-Aqsa, what is your message to the Palestinian people?
A – A great salute must be given to the founder, Imam Khomeini, who founded the International Quds Day. This heralded a new phase in which people, resistance groups, and countries stand alongside the Palestinian people to fight the “Israeli” enemy, in addition to the open support for the Palestinian people and resistance to expel the occupier.
Here, we tell the Palestinian people: You have proven your true worth through sacrifices, martyrs, and the wounded and through the participation of men, women, children, and everyone in resisting the occupier.
It turns out that when some capabilities are available to you, you, who are at the forefront, give your souls and your money and you sacrifice your homes.
This people are great people, and I am confident that they will be victorious and will liberate Palestine and Al-Quds, God willing, and it is only a matter of time. A country with such a people can only triumph.
Q – What is your interpretation of the resumption of Saudi-Iranian relations?
A – The resumption of Saudi-Iranian relations carries two main subjects. The first is the change in direction in the region by focusing on the central enemy – the “Israeli” entity – instead of tirelessly working on making Iran the central enemy, and we clearly see the repercussions of this issue.
As for the second, the Saudi-Iranian agreement will open a new page and phase in which there will be strength and dignity for the peoples and countries of the region through stability, solidarity, cooperation and help in changing the pattern that the Americans wanted in our region, and this is a great achievement for future generations.
For us, the Saudi-Iranian agreement is a new phase in every sense of the word in our region towards more cooperation and stability, isolating “Israel” and confronting it, and restraining America’s hand from many issues of concern to our region.
We hope that the outcomes of this agreement will be influential on the entire region. According to what we have learned, the resumption of bilateral relations is proceeding very quickly, and a resolution to the problem between Yemen and Saudi Arabia is also proceeding at a rapid pace. The resumption of Saudi relations with Syria is moving ahead, and all of this is an indication that the agreement is progressing quickly. Certainly, it has positive effects on Lebanon, but the exact impact and its timing remain unknown. We do know that this agreement is a good thing.
Q – Is there anything new concerning the Lebanese presidential file?
A – The Lebanese presidential file is still pending due to the insistence of a number of parliamentary blocs not to engage in dialogue and not to be rational in their choices.
Today, the only person who has a large number of votes, according to all the statistics and evidence, is Minister Suleiman Frangieh. All the other names presented in the media cannot catch up with him.
Therefore, these blocs that were not able to unanimously agree on a candidate that has the ability to pass the quorum in parliament should engage in dialogue to see if it is possible to bridge points of view in favor of this option – Minister Suleiman Franjieh to be president.
The alternative is to waste time and prolong the vacuum, and we want to elect a president as soon as possible because it is a constitutional challenge that all solutions in Lebanon depend on.
The time has come for the various parliamentary blocs to be realistic and head towards finding common denominators for a president who has the ability to be open to everyone and is able to save Lebanon, God willing.
منتصف العام 2011، وصل موفد لزعيم عربي بارز إلى دمشق حاملاً رسالة إلى الرئيس بشار الأسد. كان فحواها يتركز على الوضع الداخلي إثر اندلاع موجة الاحتجاجات وانتقال المعارضين إلى حمل السلاح في وجه الدولة السورية. وطالبت الرسالة الأسد بإحداث تغيير سياسي في الحكم مقابل منع تمدد الموجات الاحتجاجية ووقف الدعم الخارجي لها. قرأ الأسد الرسالة، وأعادها إلى الموفد وقال له: سلم على من أرسلك، ولا جواب!
لم يكن الأسد في ذلك الوقت يتوقع أن يكون التآمر على سوريا بهذا الحجم، وعلى مدى ست سنوات، كانت المواجهة قاسية جداً، وجاء الدعم للأسد من حلفائه في لبنان والعراق وإيران، ما منع سقوط الدولة السورية، قبل أن يأتي الدعم الروسي ليفتح الباب أمام استعادة المناطق التي سيطر عليها المسلحون. وخلال تلك الفترة، كانت المفاوضات التي تقودها الأمم المتحدة، عبارة عن مضيعة للوقت، ولم تفد بشيء على الإطلاق، بل ربما كان لها دورها في تسعير الحرب في سوريا. مضت السنوات، وتصرف الجميع على أن مشروع إسقاط الدولة السورية ونظامها هو الذي سقط. والحصار الذي تعزز بعدما توقف إطلاق النار في مناطق واسعة من سوريا، ترافق مع تعزيز الاحتلال الأجنبي المباشر عقب فشل الوكلاء المحليين في إدارة الأمور. وهذا ما جعل الاحتلال الأميركي يثبت قواعد ويعزز واقع المجموعات الكردية الانفصالية، فيما اجتاح الأتراك مناطق الشمال الغربي من سوريا.
خلال السنوات القليلة الماضية، انطلقت موجة من الاتصالات بين عواصم عربية وإقليمية وغربية مع سوريا، مباشرة أو من خلال وسطاء، وتفعلت هذه الاتصالات بعد الزلزال المدمر الذي ضرب سوريا وتركيا. وهو أمر يؤكده مرجع كبير في دمشق بقوله: «يتواصلون معنا سراً، لكنهم يخافون الغضب الأميركي، نحن لا نحمّل أحداً أكثر مما يحتمل، لكن أحداً لا يمكن أن يفرض علينا شروطاً. ما واجهناه خلال عقد كامل، لا يقدر كل هؤلاء على تحمله، وقد صمدنا، ودورنا العربي نحن من صنعناه». وسبق للرئيس السوري بشار الأسد أن صارح قادة عرباً وموفدين ووسطاء، في الفترة الأخيرة، بأن «سوريا لا تخوض معركة العودة إلى الجامعة العربية. وسوريا لا ترفض دعوتها إلى أي قمة أو اجتماع عربي، لكنها غير مستعدة لمقايضة هذا الأمر بأي شيء يمس ثوابتها». ونقل عن الرئيس السوري قوله «إن دمشق هي من يملك حق أن يسامح دولاً وجماعات كانت طرفاً كبيراً في الحرب وشريكة في سفك الدماء العربية. وسيكون من الخطأ أن يفكر أحد بأن سوريا مستعدة للحديث مع أي دولة حول وضعها الداخلي، وهي لا تقبل بأي وساطة بينها وبين أي سوري يريد العودة إلى بلده وفق شروطه. لا مجال لأي تفاوض حول المسألة السورية الداخلية». خلال الشهرين الماضيين، دارت محركات الوسطاء بقوة كبيرة. حاولت دولة الإمارات العربية لعب دور خاص. لكنها كانت محكومة بالسقف الأميركي من جهة والسقف السعودي من جهة أخرى، بينما تولت سلطنة عمان التوسط بين دمشق ودول كبيرة، منها السعودية وحتى الولايات المتحدة. فيما كانت روسيا وإيران تديران وساطة مع تركيا. حتى العواصم العربية الفاعلة تحركت ولو من دون خطوات كبيرة. مثل مصر التي تريد تنسيق خطواتها مع السعودية، أو الجزائر التي لا تملك النفوذ الذي كان لها في وقت سابق.
وكشف مطلعون على جانب من هذه الاتصالات أن مسقط استضافت لقاءات هامة بين مسؤولين من سوريا ومن السعودية ومن الأميركيين أيضاً. وأن الاتصالات السعودية – السورية سرعان ما انتقلت إلى حيز التحاور المباشر الذي تمثل في لقاءات عقدت على مستوى أمني في الرياض، ومهدت لرفع مستوى التواصل إلى الحيز السياسي الذي سيترجم في زيارة وزير الخارجية السورية فيصل المقداد إلى جدة. فيما جرى الحديث عن زيارات أمنية سرية قام بها موفدون من دول خارجية إلى سوريا عبر لبنان، وتناولت المحادثات فيها مسائل كثيرة.
وبحسب المطلعين أنفسهم، فإن هذه الأطراف تعي أن رحلة عزل سوريا انتهت إلى فشل كبير. وبات هؤلاء في موقع من يريد تدفيع سوريا ثمناً لعودة التواصل، وكان هؤلاء يعتقدون بأن سوريا مستعجلة لأمرين: الأول، استئناف العلاقة الرسمية مع تركيا، والثاني عودة سوريا إلى مقعدها في الجامعة العربية. وقد صدم الأتراك بموقف الأسد الذي أبلغه إلى الرئيس الروسي فلاديمير بوتين، بأنه لا يمانع الاجتماع مع الرئيس رجب طيب أردوغان، لكن على تركيا القيام بخطوات قبل ذلك، تشمل إعلان جدول زمني لسحب قواتها من سوريا، والمبادرة إلى خطوات على الأرض تعكس هذه الجدية. وهو الأمر الذي لا يزال يؤخر المحادثات المباشرة بين سوريا وتركيا من أو مع مشاركة وسطاء. أما مع العرب، فإن الأسد قال لكل من التقاهم من المسؤولين العرب، بأنه ليس مستعجلاً للعودة إلى الجامعة العربية، وهو أصلاً لا يثق بقدرتها على القيام بشيء. لكنه مستعد لتنظيم العلاقات الثنائية مع الدول العربية من دون أي شرط. صحيح أن القطريين يطلقون مواقف حادة ضد عودة سوريا. لكن ما لا يقال في العلن، أكده مرجع كبير لـ«الأخبار»، وهو أن القطريين توسطوا لدى الأمين العام لحزب الله السيد حسن نصرالله للبحث في تنظيم العلاقة مع القيادة السورية من جديد. إلا أن الأسد لم يكن متحمساً لهذا الأمر.
توسط القطريون لدى حزب الله لإعادة الاتصال بالأسد وقاد العمانيون اتصالات مع دول عربية وغربية أيضاً
أما السعودية فقد حاولت مقايضة سوريا في ملفات كثيرة تتعلق بالواقع العربي والعلاقات مع دول الإقليم. فبحث السعوديون كما سبق لآخرين أن فعلوا، أن يعرضوا على الأسد التخلي عن تحالفه مع إيران وقوى محور المقاومة مقابل انفتاح سياسي واقتصادي كبير على سوريا، إضافة إلى إثارة عناوين تتعلق بالإصلاحات السياسية الداخلية في سوريا، وصولاً إلى محاولة انتزاع مواقف سورية مطابقة لموقف الجامعة العربية من الحرب القائمة في اليمن، بما في ذلك محاولة إقناع الأسد بطرد السفير اليمني الحالي في دمشق وتسليم السفارة إلى ممثلي حكومة عدن التابعة لتحالف العدوان العربي – الأميركي على اليمن. لكن الأسد رفض هذا الأمر أيضاً. وحتى في ملف فلسطين، فقد راهن البعض على أن موقف الأسد السلبي من حركة الإخوان المسلمين ومن حركة حماس قد يساعدهم على موقف من المقاومة في فلسطين، لكن الأسد الذي لم يكن سهلاً عليه إعادة العلاقة مع حماس، كان قد حسم الأمر من خلال القول بأن موقفه من الحركة أو أي فصيل فلسطيني آخر، يرتبط بموقع هذا الفصيل في محور المقاومة ضد الاحتلال، ولذلك لم يأخذ ملف استئناف العلاقة مع حماس وقتاً طويلاً، بينما بقي موقفه من القضايا الأخرى على حاله.
ما حصل أخيراً، هو أن السعودية التي أدارت استراتيجية جديدة تستهدف «صفر مشاكل»، سارعت إلى عقد اتفاق مع إيران، يتيح لها الإسراع في وقف الحرب على اليمن، ويسهل على الرياض استئناف العلاقات مع سوريا بصورة مباشرة وعلى مستويات عالية، وصولاً إلى التوافق السعودي – المصري على ضرورة عودة سوريا إلى الجامعة العربية، وهو ما يريد ولي العهد السعودي محمد بن سلمان تحقيقه، بعد أن يحصل على غطاء ولو شكلي من الدول الحليفة له في مجلس التعاون الخليجي، ودول أخرى مثل مصر والأردن والعراق، حيث لا يزال موقف قطر هو الوحيد الرافض بينما يجري الحديث عن تردد كويتي يمكن لبن سلمان معالجته.
غداً، سنسمع الكثير من التحليلات والتقديرات والمقاربات حول أبعاد الخطوة، وستنطلق ماكينة خصوم سوريا في لعبة إعلامية مكررة ومملة تتحدث عن التنازلات والمقايضات، لكن يكفي متابعة الوقائع على الأرض، ومسار الأمور في سوريا ومن حولها، حتى يدرك الجميع، أن ما يجري إنما هو محاولة عربية للعودة إلى سوريا وليس العكس.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah meets with Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, and the leaders discussed the latest developments in occupied Palestine.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, right, meeting with Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, in Beirut, Lebanon, June 29, 2021. (AP)
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah received on Saturday Hamas the chief of Hamas’s Political Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, and his deputy, Saleh Al-Arouri, both of whom were heading a Hamas delegation.
Sayyed Nasrallah discussed with the Hamas delegation the latest developments in occupied Palestine and the incidents that were taking place in Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as the uptick in resistance in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah’s media relations office said in a statement.
The parties to the meeting discussed the latest regional political developments, as well as the preparedness of the axis of resistance and the coordination and cooperation of all of its members in the face of the latest challenges.
The meeting comes in light of tensions in Al-Aqsa Mosque over the continuous Israeli raids against it, as well as the brutalization of Palestinians stationing themselves in the holy site.
The Israeli occupation forces on Sunday turned the courtyards of Al-Aqsa mosque into military barracks in a bid to provide protection for the illegal settlers storming the Muslim holy site on the fourth day of Passover.
The Islamic Endowments Department in Al-Quds said scores of settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque in Groups from the Moroccan Gate, adding that they carried out provocative tours and performed some rites under the protection of the Israeli occupation forces.
Occupied Al-Quds has witnessed stark tensions since the onset of the week, which kicked off with the Israeli occupation raiding the holy site and assaulting the Palestinians who are stationed there as part of the religious practice of Itikaf.
The IOF’s provocations sent settlers into a frenzy, with Israeli media reporting that the current situation resembled the time leading up to the Seif Al-Quds battle, adding that “an incident in Al-Aqsa can also be dragged into a wide confrontation” this time.
The first round of aggression spurred up a week of Israeli violence and Palestinian confrontation that spread all over the occupied state in various forms, from rallies to resistance operations.
The raids have drawn international condemnation and sparked concerns within the Israeli occupation about the severity of the security situation and how the occupation’s actions were backfiring.
UPROOTED PALESTINIANS: SALAM ALQUDS ALAYKUM 
