Hezbollah’s Sheikh Qassem Denounces Framework Agreement as Lebanon’s Concession to ‘israel’, Vows Continued Resistance

Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem addressed the nation on Friday through a televised speech, marking the anniversary of the 2006 Divine Victory against Israel. In his address, Qassem asserted that Israel consistently utilizes various justifications to launch premeditated attacks on Lebanon.

Sheikh Qassem highlighted that on March 2, 2026, the Resistance retaliated following the assassination of Imam Leader Khamenei. “This response encapsulated the suffering we experienced during 15 months of Israeli infractions. Consequently, a hostile Israeli military campaign was launched against Lebanon. He observed that subsequent evidence substantiated that if the war hadn’t commenced on March 2, it would have unfolded later in the month, as the Israelis were prepared and intent on executing this extensive aggressive operation,” stated His Eminence.

Sheikh Qassem characterized the conflict as aggressive and existential in nature, drawing a parallel with the historical Battle of Karbala. He emphasized that they faced a decisive choice between surrendering and allowing an Israeli victory or standing firm to thwart the Israeli agenda.

He stated that the Resistance successfully thwarted the enemy’s goals and is steadfast in following its chosen path. He emphasized that anyone who anticipates surrender is chasing an illusion and lacks a true understanding of the Resistance. He further highlighted that both the Resistance and its supporters remain resilient and patient, as they confront unacceptable choices that would result in capitulation and downfall.

Sheikh Qassem criticized the Lebanese authority’s decision to engage with the “Framework Agreement,” stating it is not genuinely an agreement or framework. He described it as a set of Israeli demands, penned with Israeli influence, and signed by Lebanese officials, effectively ceding to Israel’s desires while compromising Lebanon’s sovereignty. Qassem also highlighted that the aggressive actions and annihilation attributed to Israel would not have occurred without American involvement.

Sheikh Qassem remarked that observers of the Washington proceedings witnessed a predominant alignment, describing it as the American-Israeli team. In contrast, he critiqued the Lebanese delegation as being subservient, adhering to American directives. Addressing the government, Qassem posed a challenge, asking for a single accomplishment from the seven negotiation rounds. He contended that the Israeli adversary achieved all its objectives. He voiced concerns over the agreement, citing as issues both the direct negotiations themselves, which he argued granted Israel its desires beforehand, and the entirety of the agreement’s substance.

Sheikh Qassem emphasized the necessity for the authority to acknowledge its shortcomings and reconnect with its populace to establish a unified and strong stance. He urged the utilization of existing power elements to address the overbearing challenge posed by Israel. In his call to action, he highlighted the importance of leveraging all available means, including the Resistance, unity, and sovereignty, to effectively confront the adversary.

He stated that the ongoing negotiations will lead to further disgrace and shame, with their continuation only exacerbating these issues.

Sheikh Qassem questioned whether the authority has not had enough of the actions carried out daily by the Israeli enemy, including the demolition of homes and villages, land occupation, and the killing of individuals. He further inquired about the notion of “experimental areas,” referencing Zawtar al-Gharbiya, which has now been deemed experimental on the condition that Israel permits access. He expressed skepticism about the concept of liberation, suggesting that it might be a guise to allow Israel to have a presence in liberated lands under the pretext of “investigation” and overseeing Lebanese affairs.

Sheikh Qassem inquired about the situation in Al-Mansouri, noting that despite its status as a liberated village, Israelis have displaced its inhabitants and barred the Lebanese Army from entering. Sheikh Qassem suggested that, at a minimum, there should have been a withdrawal from the session, adding that negotiations should have been halted due to the lack of withdrawal.

He stated, “We are aware that the Americans, in private discussions, express that their hands are tied regarding any actions against the Israeli adversary due to their support for its actions.”

Sheikh Qassem urged the Authority to issue a formal response to statements made by Katz and Netanyahu.

Sheikh Qassem urged the Authority to reconsider what he termed as a “sinful, shameful, and humiliating mistake” and expressed concerns about the actions of the officials involved, suggesting that these actions raise serious questions.

Hezbollah’s Secretary-General reiterated a firm stance against capitulation, declaring that they will resist with determination. He emphasized the importance of defending the nation’s sovereignty and honoring the martyrs’ sacrifices, urging the authorities to cease the pattern of repeated failures as it poses a threat to the nation’s stability and future prospects.

Sheikh Qassem highlighted that regardless of the challenges of the present, the future, guided by the divine promise and our duties, is set to transform these realities. He expressed confidence in the Resistance, the people, and patriots as the cornerstone of this change.

His Eminence emphasized that the resilience of the Resistance, alongside Iran prioritizing Lebanon in the Islamabad understanding document, played a crucial role in restraining the Israeli adversary.

He stated that claims of 300,000 citizens returning due to the ‘Framework Agreement’ are ludicrous. Instead, he attributed the repatriation of individuals to the Islamabad Agreement, asserting that it was this accord that halted the extensive ceasefire.

He declared that their current stance aligns with the path of the missing Imam Mousa al-Sadr, who characterized Israel as absolute evil and claimed that only through strength can the South find peace. Furthermore, they remain committed to the legacy of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, revered as the Master of the Martyrs of the Nation, who devoted decades to shaping this principle and achieving triumphs. He was a pivotal figure in the significant victory of July and the overseer of the True Promise, which ultimately led to the considerable success experienced.

Sheikh Qassem highlighted that the Resistance operates defensively, suggesting that conflicts have been imposed upon them and their actions are in defense. He expressed willingness to consider a ceasefire due to their defensive stance, yet accused the adversary of seeking war. Qassem emphasized that despite enduring significant challenges, surrender is not an option for the Resistance.

Sheikh Qassem emphasized the importance of prioritizing the issues in the South, highlighting the urgent need to provide security for the displaced population, as well as ensuring the availability of shelter, aid, and the reconstruction of damages. He asserted that the responsibility primarily falls on the state, rather than any other entity. While acknowledging their own efforts in providing assistance and cooperation, he insisted that the fundamental obligation rests with the state to fulfill its duties, and committed to striving for this accountability.

In a stirring speech, Sheikh Qassem lauded the significant contributions of the families, declaring their sacrifices and generosity as unparalleled. He exalted their status, referring to them as the “crown on our heads,” and pledged unwavering solidarity, vowing to defend them resolutely, even to the last drop of blood, united in their cause.

A statement was made urging individuals to recognize their right to be angry and to express it, while advising them to channel this emotion strategically, reserving it for an opportune moment to effectively pursue their objectives and demands.

He stated that “anger has its moment, and it can erupt. In what manner does it erupt? Those who lack the ability to work and oppose the Resistance and its supporters must hold themselves accountable.”

He emphasized that the onus lies with those who target the Resistance, its supporters, Lebanon’s populace, the nation’s future, and its sovereignty.

In a recent address, Sheikh Qassem praised the esteemed resistance fighters, referring to them as “the crown on our heads, symbols of pride, and exemplars of devotion and sacrifice.” He commended them as “lights of liberation and independence,” emphasizing their victory both in this life and beyond. Sheikh Qassem expressed his honor in standing alongside them in the struggle for liberation, pride, and human dignity.

Sheikh Qassem extended his gratitude to all parties, forces, and sects supporting movements against occupation, opposing aggression, and denouncing agreements of subjugation and normalization. He lauded the spirit of social solidarity, emphasizing the collective effort to tackle challenges in education, social issues, housing, and the economy. He underscored the significance of this unity in addressing the voids left by the authority’s inadequate and ineffective actions.

Sheikh Qassem expressed profound gratitude towards the fallen, stating, “We owe a debt to our martyrs and the esteemed individuals who paved the way for a brighter future. The martyrs have entrusted us with their legacy, and we are committed to honoring and upholding it. They represent a noble symbol not just for Lebanon and the Palestinian cause, but on a global scale, epitomizing sacrifice and altruism.” He also offered words of encouragement to the injured, saying, “May God reward you for the significant sacrifices you’ve made in this important journey.”

He assured that “we will remain steadfast in our commitment to the prisoners. Our efforts to secure their release will persist, with the hope of divine support.” He further declared, “With divine intervention, we anticipate triumphs. Despite the hardships we face, our resolve remains an essential step towards victory.”

In a statement marking the anniversary of the victory, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General emphasized that the event represented a significant historical milestone for both Lebanon and the wider region. He pointed out that the “True Promise” war was initiated to challenge Israeli aggression, which had been triggered by the capture of two Israeli soldiers. The conflict erupted after diplomatic efforts, political negotiations, and communications had been exhausted in attempts to secure the release of Lebanese detainees held by Israeli authorities.

Sheikh Qassem stated that the recent operation was essential to uphold their commitment to not abandoning prisoners. He argued that altering the situation was unachievable without confrontation and exerting pressure on the Israeli adversary, who, in his view, only recognizes the dynamics of power. According to Qassem, the operation, when assessed through a traditional military lens, did not justify the initiation of warfare. However, subsequent developments revealed that Israel, in collaboration with the United States, was gearing up for a substantial conflict anticipated in September 2006.

He stated that “the conflict concluded with the defeat of the Israeli adversary, this overbearing foe backed by the United States, at the hands of the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon and all the esteemed resistance fighters, under the alliance of Army, People, and Resistance. A significant outcome of this operation was the liberation of prisoners and detainees held by the occupying forces.”

Sheikh Qassem declared that the adversary has acknowledged the resilience and determination of both the Resistance and the people of Lebanon. From 2006 to 2023, the state of deterrence against Israel persisted, underscoring the significance of the Resistance. He emphasized that this serves as a testament to the Resistance’s ability to alter the dynamics and represents a continuous and enduring experience.