During a speech given at the ceremony honoring workers of the Islamic Religious Education Association in Beirut, Qassem added that current realities go beyond protecting Gaza and Lebanon, to form a true deterrent force against confrontation with Israel.

In Qassem´s standpoint, the initiatives being discussed on Lebanon and south are unviable if they are not based on a definitive cessation of aggression in Gaza, “because that is where the solution comes from.” By the way, Qassem stressed that Hezbollah supports Palestine, not Israel; therefore, let the war halt first in Gaza and then the front in Lebanon will end.

According to the leader, Israeli threats of an attack on the nation increase conviction about confrontation and further strengthen Hezbollah’s positions.

Qassem cited Tel Aviv press reporting that only 3% of Hezbollah’s military arsenal was used during nearly seven months of hostility.

At this point, Qassem mentioned the effects in terms of settler displacement and losses to Israel, weakening its army and setting a great example of resistance and sacrifice.

In responding to threats from Israeli Security Minister Yoav Galant, Qassem expressed that constant aggression against Lebanon will not bring the settlers back from the north, but rather its expansion will further complicate their lives.

In this regard, Qassem called on the world to wake up and stop the Israeli war over the Gaza Strip.

He revealed that Hezbollah is firmly determined to respond to the Israeli attack, and any expansion of enemy actions will be responded.

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