Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem insisted that the group remains intact despite sustaining significant losses in its conflict with Israel. In his first televised interview since succeeding Hassan Nasrallah, Qassem said Hezbollah was currently adopting a lower profile to allow the Lebanese army to confront Israel.

“The resistance is fine and continuing, but it has been wounded and has made sacrifices. Does anyone expect the resistance to continue without sacrifices?” he told Hezbollah-affiliated al-Manar TV. “Great sacrifices, yes, but we realize that these sacrifices must be made.”

Qassem reaffirmed Hezbollah’s commitment to what he called the “liberation” of land and the fight against “expansionist Israel.” He dismissed any suggestion that Hezbollah should disarm, despite recent remarks by newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who emphasized the state’s exclusive authority over military decisions.

“We have nothing to do with this matter,” Qassem said. “We are a resistance that considers Israel a threat to Lebanon, and there is no objection to the army and the state defending Lebanon. The resistance has the right to continue to protect Lebanon.”

Qassem praised Lebanese families who have lost members in the fighting, describing their sacrifices as an inspiration.

“The resistance is not just a phase; it is an ongoing idea embraced by young and old, men and women,” he said, citing examples of individuals who had lost multiple relatives in battle but remained committed to Hezbollah’s cause.

The Hezbollah leader reiterated that the group would not accept any Israeli presence in southern Lebanon. While confirming that the group had ceased operations during the ceasefire, he noted that it remained fully prepared for combat.

“Over the past 60 days, Israel has committed numerous violations. The agreement clearly stipulates that Israel must retreat beyond the Litani River,” Qassem said, referring to the terms of a ceasefire brokered by the United States and France on November 27, 2024. The deal ended more than a year of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, including a two-month war that saw Israeli ground troop deployments in southern Lebanon.

The agreement required Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days. However, Israeli forces have maintained positions at five strategic locations along the border, citing security concerns over Hezbollah’s continued presence and potential threats.

Qassem emphasized that "the ceasefire agreement is clear—there are no secret clauses, no hidden deals, and no under-the-table agreements."

"The phrase ‘south of the Litani River’ is mentioned five times, and this is the framework we must adhere to."

On domestic governance, Qassem said Hezbollah remained committed to Lebanon’s stability and acknowledged the role of security forces in maintaining internal order. However, he insisted that Hezbollah’s military capabilities were essential for defending against Israeli threats.

“Israel poses an existential threat, and resistance is Lebanon’s right,” he stated.

He also addressed Lebanon’s post-war reconstruction, asserting that the responsibility for rebuilding war-damaged areas lay with the state. Despite Hezbollah’s involvement in both political and military affairs, Qassem insisted that the group would continue to operate as long as Israeli threats persisted.