Naim Qassem, the deputy chief of Hezbollah, encourages Arab countries to join together. In particular, he calls on Saudi Arabia to unite jointly in security measures against what he calls Israeli provocations. In a speech a few weeks ago, Qassem referred to Israel as a “colonial outpost.” He pointed to its historical roots of support from Britain and continued support today by the United States. His remarks come during a period of escalating violence in the area and a deadly Israeli incursion into southern Lebanon yesterday.
Qassem’s statement follows a series of Israeli aerial bombardments. These attacks in turn caused the death of Ammar Hayel Qutaybani, a Hezbomind command named by Israel. One of the strikes targeted a car outside a public hospital in Tebnin. A second strike hit a vehicle in the village of Ansar. The continuing violence, unfortunately, underscores the very real, potentially destabilizing consequences for the region. It explains the deepening Hezbollah-Israel conflict.
Describing Israeli Actions as Barbaric
In his speech, Qassem denounced Israel’s atrocities, claiming the regime has arrived at “the apex of savagery.” He further alleged that Israel is committing blatant crimes against international law with total impunity and funding, morally bankrolled by the U.S. This claim is an expression of Hezbollah’s decades-old argument that U.S. support for Israel allows Israeli military attacks in Lebanon to occur.
The deputy chief also noted that Hezbollah’s resistance appears to be focused entirely on Israel. “Our weapons are not aimed at Lebanon, not Saudi Arabia, and not any other place or party in the world,” Qassem stated, reinforcing that their military efforts are focused on defending against Israeli incursions.
Qassem’s remarks come as the Biden administration seeks to pressure Lebanon into disarming Hezbollah. This call for disarmament comes in accordance with provisions of a ceasefire agreement that was mediated in November of 2024. Third, he contended that increasing pressure on Hezbollah would be counterproductive to Israeli interests. He was adamant that if negotiations were to occur, they must emerge from strength, not as a result of capitulation.
A Call for New Relations
Consequently, in the face of these tensions, Qassem decided to be proactive and make contact with the Saudis. He called on the country to “turn over a new leaf” in their relationship. He argued that solidarity between Arab countries is the key in resisting Israeli hegemony in the region. Her call for cooperation comes as leaders continue to discuss the merits of the Abraham Accords and changing partnerships in the Middle East.
“When the US openly declares that it acts in Israel’s interest, how can we trust any American or non-American proposal, or accept to make concession after concession?” – Naim Qassem
For one, Qassem was doubtful of U.S. intentions. He always argued that negotiations needed to come from a position of mutual respect and power, not from the dependence on American third-party mediation. He criticized U.S. strategies, claiming that approaches such as “soft war, sanctions, and the Abraham Accords” have failed to achieve any substantial victory.
Genocide and Regional Stability
In her remarks before the panel, Qassem stressed just how dire the situation is amid the continuing war. For the U.S. and Israel, he proposed, “genocide was the solution.” He has been outspoken about the humanitarian consequences of military action. His remarks serve to underscore Hezbollah’s determination to push back against what it sees as existential threats posed by Israel.
Her call for resistance to Israeli aggression is mirrored by members of all factions within Lebanon and throughout the Arab world. Regional powers are reconsidering their relationships with Israel and the United States. Qassem’s speech is a reminder of the realities of Middle Eastern politics and the brutal cycle of war that they perpetuate.
