Naim Qassem: Hezbollah remains open to maximum cooperation with state authorities

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem declared in a speech following the commencement of a temporary ceasefire that "the battlefield has had the final word," asserting that the resistance forced Israel to concede to Lebanese sovereignty.

Qassem emphasized that the current cessation of hostilities was only made possible by the "legendary performance" of fighters on the southern borders. He noted that the resistance successfully blocked the Israeli military from reaching the Litani River despite the deployment of 100,000 soldiers.

The Hezbollah leader took sharp aim at a U.S. State Department publication titled "Ceasefire Agreement between Lebanon and Israel – April 2026." Qassem characterized the document as an "insult" to Lebanese dignity, claiming it falsely implied the Lebanese government had formally agreed to a text drafted by Washington.

"It is an insult to our country that America dictates the text and speaks on behalf of the Lebanese government," Qassem stated. "Enough of these humiliations in direct negotiations... where tyranny gathers around the prey."

The statement expressed significant gratitude toward Iran and Pakistan for their roles in the diplomatic and strategic pressure campaign. Qassem specifically linked the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to the U.S. and Israel finally adhering to the ceasefire demands, noting that Hezbollah tracked these developments "moment by moment."

While the current ceasefire is in effect, Qassem warned that fighters remain "with their fingers on the trigger" and will respond to any Israeli violations. He outlined a five-point roadmap for a lasting resolution:

1.  Permanent cessation of all Israeli aggression by air, land, and sea.
2.  Full withdrawal of Israeli forces to the international borders.
3.  Release of all prisoners.
4.  The return of displaced residents to their border villages.
5.  Reconstruction efforts backed by international and Arab support.

Qassem concluded by calling for a "new page" in Lebanese internal politics, urging for national unity to prevent foreign "guardianship" and to invest in a national security strategy that protects Lebanon's sovereignty. He stressed that Hezbollah remains open to maximum cooperation with state authorities to rebuild the country and safeguard its citizens.