Hezbollah Pledges Unity, Rules Out Conflict with Lebanese Army, Declares Senior Official
Sheikh Ali Damoush, the Head of Hezbollah's Executive Council, has stated that the group will refrain from engaging in conflict with the Lebanese Army and is determined to prevent any internal strife. He emphasized that efforts to incite division within Lebanon are destined to be unsuccessful.
During a sermon at the Sayyeda Zainab Mosque in Beirut’s southern suburb of Dahiyeh, Sheikh Damoush dismissed claims that linked the Lebanese Army’s activities south of the Litani River to the end of Israeli hostilities and withdrawal from occupied areas.
A high-ranking Hezbollah representative stated that military operations are progressing and nearing the end of the so-called “first phase,” even as Israeli strikes continue unabated and no retreat has been observed.
He reported an escalation in Israeli military actions, highlighting a blatant disregard for the restraint typically exercised by the Lebanese army.
Sheikh Damoush criticized what he described as a significant error by the Lebanese authorities in distinguishing their obligations under the ceasefire agreement from those anticipated of Israel.
He contended that this strategy has fostered a perception of Lebanon single-handedly complying with the agreement.
A senior official from Hezbollah underscored the reciprocity of measures concerning the region south of the Litani River, highlighting that should Lebanon fulfill its commitments, Israel is equally expected to adhere to its obligations.
Sheikh Damoush underscored that the initial stage cannot be considered finished until Israel withdraws from occupied Lebanese territories, halts its assaults, allows residents to return, and supports reconstruction initiatives.
He asserted that the achievement of sovereignty is not possible through military deployment alone while Israel persists in occupying and committing acts of aggression along with violating Lebanon’s land, sea, and airspace.
Sheikh Damoush emphasized that there is a persistent trend of making concessions, despite continuous acts of aggression and the overt neglect displayed by both Israeli and American parties towards the efforts implemented by Lebanese authorities.
He contended that advocates for a shift to a so-called second phase should prioritize pressuring Israel to adhere to its obligations and urging the United States to cease its aggressive actions, rather than acquiescing to American demands and offering unwarranted concessions.
Sheikh Damoush has stated that the current intensification involving strikes, assassinations, political pressure, and economic constraints, alongside internal provocations, is intended to drive Lebanon and its military forces towards internal strife and a clash with the Resistance.
He stated that the primary objective is to force Hezbollah to either retreat or surrender.
According to his statement, these objectives are being actively pursued by Americans, Israelis, and their associated allies in Lebanon using all available methods.
Sheikh Damoush emphasized the point that Hezbollah will not engage in conflict with the army, incite internal discord, or retreat from its position.
He emphasized that depending on strategies to compel the Lebanese government, military, or society to take action against Hezbollah is a risky move, proving unsuccessful with each passing day.
On December 18, officials from France, Saudi Arabia, and the United States convened in Paris with the leader of the Lebanese Armed Forces to discuss and establish a roadmap aimed at formulating a framework for the disarmament of Hezbollah.
The resistance group has asserted that it will retain its arms as long as Israel persists in its occupation of southern Lebanon and continues its assaults in the region.
