Mehr news Agency, International Desk, Elnaz Rahmatnejad: Sheikh Naim Qassem, one of Hezbollah Lebanon’s first-generation leaders, holds firm anti-Zionist positions. He emphasizes that labeling the Israeli regime as an occupier is not due to its presence in southern Lebanon but becuase of its occupation of Palestine and Jerusalem.
The assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah raised concerns about Hezbollah’s future direction. This worries deepened when sayyed Hassan’s successor, Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, was also killed shortly after.
Sheikh Naim Qassem, a prominent Lebanese cleric who served over 30 years as Hezbollah’s deputy secretary-general and holds meaningful influence among Lebanese people, replaced Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah following his assassination.
Sheikh Naim’s recent speech marked one of his strongest stances as succeeding the late Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. His remarks on resistance weapons did not indicate escalating tensions but reaffirmed Hezbollah’s commitment to safeguarding Lebanon’s security and confronting external threats.
In recent speeches, Sheikh Naim outlined Hezbollah’s red lines clearly.He sought to present the resistance movement within Lebanese internal discourse as a factor reinforcing state authority rather than challenging it.
Ahmed Al-Shami, a Yemeni analyst speaking to Mehr News Agency about Sheikh Naim Qassem’s statements explained that these remarks guarantee Lebanon’s national security. He added that preserving the weapons of resistance is crucial for maintaining this country’s independence. Those inside Lebanon advocating for disarmament stand alongside Israel in opposing Hezbollah.
Al-Shami continued: “Sheikh Naim Qassem’s words demonstrate that Israel could neither achieve its goals by war nor will succeed through political means. Hezbollah is restoring and strengthening itself.” He concluded that these statements signal that Hezbollah has reached a stage where it stands ready for direct confrontation with the Zionist enemy.
According to Ahmed Al-Shami,filling the void left by Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was an enormous challenge which Sheikh Naim successfully overcame. Taking charge during such a complex period, he prioritized uniting the resistance and revitalizing its capabilities. The funeral ceremony for martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah symbolized both strength and resilience within the movement. “Hezbollah pursues an unwavering path of jihad,” Al-Shami emphasized while noting Sheikh Naim ensures organizational stability within Hezbollah.
The Yemeni expert concluded by stating: “The people of Yemen take pride in Sheikh Naim Qassem and consistently follow his speeches.”
