AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Sheikh Naim Qassem, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah in Lebanon, emphasizing that the resistance will respond to Israel's violations of the temporary ceasefire, announced Hezbollah's readiness for the highest level of cooperation with the Lebanese government within the framework of a new chapter based on the realization of the country's sovereignty.
In a statement, he declared, "A ceasefire means a complete cessation of all hostile actions. Since we do not trust this enemy, the resistance forces will remain in the field, their fingers on the trigger, and will respond proportionally to any aggression."
The Secretary-General of Hezbollah in Lebanon also emphasized that the ceasefire will not be observed only by the resistance but must be implemented by both sides. The resistance will not accept repeating the path of fifteen months of patience in the face of Israeli aggression, hoping for diplomacy that yielded no results.
He added, "The next step is a permanent cessation of aggression against all of Lebanon—on land, air, and sea; the withdrawal of the Israeli enemy from occupied territories up to the borders; the release of prisoners; the return of people to their villages and towns up to the borders; and the beginning of reconstruction with international and Arab support and national responsibility."
Sheikh Naim Qassem also addressed the statement by the U.S. State Department titled "Agreement on a Ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel – April 2026," stating that this statement has no practical value, but it is an insult to our country for the United States to dictate its text and speak on behalf of the Lebanese government.
He explained that at the beginning of this statement, it said, "The Government of Israel and the Government of Lebanon have agreed to the following text," while everyone knows that the Lebanese government has not convened any session nor issued any resolution to approve this statement.
He continued, "It is enough that Lebanon endures these humiliations in direct negotiations with the Israeli enemy to hear his dictates; also, that shameful scene in Washington where tyranny circles its prey and takes positions on behalf of Lebanon. This is a dangerous downward spiral with no end."
Sheikh Naim Qassem emphasized, "The Lebanese nation is dear and will remain so, with solidarity among the army, the people, the resistance, and a political sovereignty that seeks Lebanon's independence and freedom."
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