AiBotBeirut, Lebanon – Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, has issued a stern warning against the normalization of relations between Lebanon and Israel, stating that such actions could lead to the prolonged occupation of southern Lebanon and potentially pave the way for the annexation of these territories to the Zionist regime.
In a recent press conference, Qassem emphasized that the legitimacy of the presence of any occupying force in Lebanon, including Israel, is a recipe for disaster. He cautioned that granting recognition or acceptance to the occupation would only entrench it further, ultimately leading to the loss of Lebanon’s sovereignty and the rights of its people.
“We are witnessing a new form of colonialism, a new form of occupation that is spreading across the region. Lebanon, as a country, must be aware of the consequences of such actions and the importance of defending our lands and our right to live in freedom,” Qassem stated.
Hezbollah’s concerns are echoed by many within Lebanon, where there is a deep-seated fear among the population that normalization with Israel would compromise the country’s right to self-determination and its claim to its territories, including the Shebaa Farms and KfarShouba Hills.
The Shebaa Farms, a disputed territory on the Israeli-Lebanese border, is a particularly sensitive issue for Lebanon. The territory has been under Israeli occupation since 1967, and many within Lebanon view its annexation as a clear example of Israel’s aggression and attempts to expand its territorial control.
Qassem also emphasized that Hezbollah’s stance on this issue has nothing to do with opposition to negotiations or diplomacy with Israel, but rather with the need to protect Lebanon’s interests and territorial integrity. He called on Lebanon’s government to take a firm stance against any attempts to normalize relations with Israel, citing its failure to do so in the past as a major contributor to the country’s occupation and continued conflict with Israel.
The Hezbollah leader’s comments come at a time of heightened tensions between Lebanon and Israel, as well as within Lebanon itself, where there are deep divisions over the country’s future and its relationship with its southern neighbor. As tensions continue to simmer, Qassem’s warnings serve as a stark reminder of the high stakes and potential consequences of Lebanon’s actions in the coming months.