A day after the expiry of the 60-day deadline for Israel’s withdrawal from south Lebanon, which was extended until February 18, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem said in an obviously pre-recorded address, “we will not accept prolongation even for a day.”
“Israel must withdraw after the expiry of 60 days, and we do not accept any justification for extending one day, nor do we accept an extension of the deadline, and any repercussions resulting from the delay in withdrawal will be assumed by the United Nations and the sponsoring countries,” Qassem said.
He added, “The resistance has the right to act as it deems appropriate regarding the form, nature and timing of the confrontation” in response to continued Israeli violations and occupation after the expiry of the withdrawal deadline.
In the address that was largely aimed at beefing up confidence among the pro-Iranian group’s popular base, Qassem portrayed the losses that they have suffered and the vast destruction of south Lebanon villages in the war against Israel as a “victory.”
While acknowledging “Israel's military superiority” and Hezbollah’s incapacity to beat Israel militarily, Qassem insisted that “the resistance is victorious and defeated Israel thanks to its sacrifices, the support of its people and its determination.”
Qassem also boasted about the massive return of the residents of border villages and towns, despite Israeli warnings to stay away. He described it as a “victory,” although it resulted in more than 20 deaths and over 130 injuries due to Israeli fire on Sunday.
The Hezbollah chief did not shy away from openly exploiting the blood of civilians, insisting on the success of the triptych “people, army and resistance” which he said “is unwavering despite haters.” In other words, he implied that Hezbollah would retain its weapons in violation of UN resolution 1701.
Justifying Hezbollah’s acceptance of the ceasefire agreement reached on November 27, Qassem said, “it was also a victory for us, and we agreed to it in order to test the state's ability” to protect Lebanon’s border.
On Israel’s violations of the ceasefire, he said Hezbollah was committed to respecting the agreement, though it “considered responding to the violations, but opted for patience.”
On the formation of PM-designate Nawaf Salam’s government, Qassem claimed that there are “no obstacles” from the Shiite duo’s (Amal-Hezbollah) side, although it is common knowledge that Speaker Nabih Berri insists on maintaining his grip on the Ministry of Finance.
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