The Israeli Air Force struck yesterday in the Dahiyeh area of Beirut, destroying infrastructure used by Hezbollah to store precision missiles. Over the past month, the IDF has attacked more than 50 terror targets across Lebanon.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem—clearly frustrated—delivered a speech today (Monday), outlining the organization’s three main priorities:
- Halting what he called “Israeli aggression” and achieving an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon
- Rebuilding damaged areas
- Establishing state institutions
“No Violations on Our Part”
Qassem claimed that “the Lebanese government is delaying reconstruction—therefore, it is our duty to act.”
He alleged that some Lebanese politicians had shown willingness to foreign envoys to limit Hezbollah’s weapons, while accusing Israel of “failing to uphold its commitments.”
Qassem further blamed the United States for pursuing its own interests in Lebanon at the expense of the country’s stability, and accused both Israel and the U.S. of trying to weaken Lebanon.
Regarding the ceasefire agreement, Qassem insisted, “no violations were recorded on our part,” while claiming that Israel had violated the agreement more than 3,000 times.
He also alleged that the United States had provided cover for the Israeli strike carried out yesterday in Dahiyeh in southern Beirut.
Support for Gaza’s Resistance
Qassem emphasized Hezbollah’s backing of Gaza, stating, “Your legendary resistance prevents the enemy from achieving its goals and opens the path to victory.”
He claimed that Hezbollah has taken responsibility for aiding thousands of displaced persons, rebuilt hundreds of thousands of homes, and expressed condolences to the Iranian people following the deadly explosion at the port of Bandar Abbas.
Qassem also offered condolences to Christians worldwide following the passing of Pope Francis.
Growing Unrest Among Hezbollah Supporters and the Shiite Community in Lebanon
In recent days, frustration and deep anger have been growing among Hezbollah supporters and the broader Shiite community in Lebanon.
Many feel abandoned by the state and by factions within Lebanese society, and believe they are being forced to accept the current reality without a meaningful response.
Yesterday, following the Israeli Air Force strike in Beirut, Shiite media channels expressed outrage toward the Lebanese government, hurling accusations and publicly cursing those they said “tie the hands of the resistance” and prevent it from acting freely.
