Al Mayadeen – November 29, 2024
Hezbollah's Sheikh Qassem declares victory, says exceeds that of 2006
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem says the Resistance "emerged victorious," with "Israel" having to justify the ceasefire to its own settlers.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem addressed on Friday the Lebanese people with profound gratitude and reflection on their endurance during the recent war with the Israeli occupation entity, which he had previously dubbed Operation People of Might.
In a televised speech two days after the ceasefire between Lebanon and "Israel" took effect, Sheikh Qassem praised the Lebanese people's patience and sacrifices, emphasizing how they stood firm as their sons fought on the battlefield, leaving no effort spared in confronting the enemy.
"I wanted to give a speech on the first day after the ceasefire at first, but after seeing droves of people [returning home] I instead opted to listen to what they had to say and express their sentiment myself," he said.
"You showed patience and struggled, and were displaced as your sons fought, and spared no effort in facing the enemy," he addressed the people.
Resistance fighters' 'legendary, sacrificial steadfastness marveled the world'
Sheikh Qassem reiterated that Hezbollah had no desire for war but was fully prepared to respond if "Israel" initiated hostilities.
"When we launched the support front, we reiterated that we were not looking for war, but were ready for it if the Israeli enemy was after it."
He stated that "Israel" sought the war to "eliminate Hezbollah, return northern settlers, and work on achieving a New Middle East."
However, Hezbollah "stood resilient on the front and struck the enemy's internal front," the Lebanese leader affirmed.
Highlighting the Israeli failure, Sheikh Qassem noted how the initial displacement of 70,000 Israeli settlers quickly escalated to include hundreds of thousands.
He underscored that Hezbollah's readiness and the strategic plans devised by martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah effectively countered the Israeli occupation’s aggression, accounting for all developments in the war.
The Israeli occupation, Sheikh Qassem explained, had placed its bets on internal discord within Lebanon, particularly between displaced persons and their hosts, stressing that this strategy failed due to the unity and cooperation among Lebanon’s diverse sects and political powers.
The Resistance fighters' "legendary, sacrificial steadfastness marvelled the world and struck terror in the hearts of the Israeli Army, demoralizing them," the Hezbollah chief indicated.
'Our enemies are defeated'
"The victory of People of Might far exceeded that of July 2006," Sheikh Qassem confirmed, declaring, "We emerged victorious because we prevented the enemy from destroying Hezbollah, prevented it from destroying the Resistance, and defeated it because it itself was forced to justify the ceasefire [to its own people]."
The Hezbollah Secretary-General said that "our enemies are defeated and their statements reveal this," pointing out that "one image of the enemy's defeat was that of our people's return to their homes while the settlers remain displaced."
He explained that a key aspect of the ceasefire agreement was "Israel’s" withdrawal from positions south of the Litani River.
He also assured that coordination between the Resistance and the Lebanese Army would reach its highest levels, warning that "no one should wager on discord between us."
Thanking those who stood by the Resistance
The ceasefire agreement, Sheikh Qassem said, "took place under the banner of Lebanese sovereignty and we agreed to it," underlining that the Resistance "remains strong on the battlefield and our heads are held high."
"We thank God for this victory, and take pride in the men of the Resistance who fought on the battlefield, humiliating the enemy and confronting it in a legendary battle."
He paid a special tribute to the martyrs, including Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, and others, whose sacrifices paved the way for added strength and pride. He also acknowledged the martyrs of the Lebanese Army, first responders, Civil Defense, and all those who worked tirelessly during the war.
Sheikh Qassem extended thanks to Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Najib Mikati for their political negotiations, as well as to the Amal Movement, "with whom we share the same soul split into two bodies."
He expressed deep gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq—their leaderships, governments, and people—for their steadfast support for the Resistance.
Reaffirming Hezbollah’s unwavering commitment to Palestine, Sheikh Qassem vowed that support would continue through alternative means.
Looking ahead, the Hezbollah Secreatary-General outlined plans for reconstruction and rehousing efforts, a sizeable task to be undertaken with the Lebanese people.
Elsewhere, Sheikh Qassem called for continued dialogue with all political powers committed to building Lebanon in line with the Taef Agreement.
https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/hezbollah-s-sheikh-qassem-declares-victory--says-exceeds-tha
Al Mayadeen – November 29, 2024
The strategic and tactical gains of Operation People of Might
ByJanna Kadri and Tala Alayli
This article examines the economic and political repercussions for "Israel", the mounting legal challenges faced by its leadership, and the broader regional and international implications of this historic confrontation, following a 13-month battle with the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon.
On the morning of November 27, 2024, the ceasefire agreement between "Israel" and Hezbollah came into effect, marking the conclusion of a protracted and devastating war that began in October 2023. This agreement, brokered by international powers such as the United States and France but ultimately shaped by the Resistance's uncompromising demands, underscored a pivotal shift in the trajectory of the war, with terms decisively favoring Hezbollah's strategic objectives.
The agreement symbolized the West's capitulation to the Resistance, driven by its inability to sustain the crippling military and economic toll inflicted on its settler-colonial protégé—an entity whose very survival hinges on the violent dispossession and systematic extermination of indigenous Arabs. Yet, "Israel's" ongoing breaches of the ceasefire have raised questions about the sustainability of the truce.
In this analysis, we recap the multifaceted dimensions of the war, dissecting Hezbollah's strategic and military triumphs over the settler-colonial Israeli regime thus far. We further examine the economic and political repercussions for "Israel", the mounting legal challenges faced by its leadership, and the broader regional and international implications of this historic confrontation.
Sustained Resistance and Strategic Achievements
Hezbollah’s steadfast ability to endure and confront one of the most technologically advanced militaries on the planet illuminates its remarkable strategic accomplishments during the war. Over more than a year of relentless hostilities, the Resistance inflicted profound military losses on "Israel," demonstrating not only its advanced tactical acumen but also its capacity to reshape the contours of regional power dynamics.
Personnel Losses: While the Israeli army keeps its true casualties undeclared, statements by the Islamic Resistance's Operations Room confirm that over 130 Israeli soldiers and officers were killed, and more than 1,250 were wounded since October 1, 2024. These casualties resulted from direct combat engagements in southern Lebanon, precision rocket and missile strikes on military advancements, and the ambushes orchestrated by Hezbollah fighters in fortified regions, but do not include losses sustained from rocket strikes inside occupied territories. These numbers reflect a sharp escalation in personnel losses compared to previous confrontations.
Armored Vehicle Losses: Hezbollah’s adept use of advanced anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) devastated the Israeli armored fleet, resulting in the destruction of 59 Merkava tanks, including the Merkava Mk. IV—the pride of Israeli military engineering. Additionally, 11 military bulldozers, two Humvees, two armored vehicles, and one armored personnel carrier were rendered inoperable, primarily in strategic battlegrounds such as Khiam and Bint Jbeil. In these arenas, Hezbollah's mastery of asymmetric warfare rendered Israeli advances impotent, exposing the vulnerabilities of a military apparatus touted as invincible.
Drone Losses: The Israeli regime also suffered a blow to its aerial superiority, losing at least nine unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including six Hermes 450 drones, two Hermes 900 drones, and one Quadcopter. These losses underscored the Resistance’s burgeoning air defense capabilities, which dealt a significant blow to Israeli reconnaissance and operational dominance in the skies.
Operational Setbacks: Hezbollah disrupted the Israeli occupation’s logistical chains and military convoys, compelling the constant redeployment of troops and resources to counter emerging threats. Strategic rocket and missile salvos reached deep into occupied territories, diverting Israeli resources to protect civilian infrastructure while further complicating its military calculations. Particularly notable were the Khaybar series of strikes, which employed advanced ballistic rockets, cruise missiles, and assault drones to target sensitive military and intelligence installations with precision.
Strategic Implications: These cumulative losses shattered the illusion of "Israel’s" regional military supremacy. Hezbollah’s ability to extract both direct and indirect costs from the occupation regime underscored the Resistance’s tactical evolution and operational depth. The relentless pressure imposed by Hezbollah forced "Israel" to curtail its ambitions, ultimately agreeing to a ceasefire whose terms heavily favored the Resistance. This result affirmed Hezbollah’s status as a formidable regional force and fortified its narrative of resilience and triumph against imperialist-backed aggression.
Economic Repercussions for 'Israel'
The economic toll of the war on the Israeli settler-colonial regime reverberated across critical sectors as it unmasked the fragility of its economic foundations and the cascading vulnerabilities of its occupation-driven model of accumulation. Infrastructure, key industries, fiscal stability, and financial markets all bore the brunt of Hezbollah’s sustained resistance.
Direct Costs: The Israeli regime allocated billions to military operations, covering troop mobilization, logistics, and equipment expenditures. Hezbollah’s precision rocket attacks inflicted widespread damage on residential buildings, commercial hubs, and public infrastructure, with property damage alone estimated at $273 million. In the northern settlements, damages exceeded five billion shekels ($1.3 billion), further exacerbated by widespread forest and land destruction. These financial hemorrhages underscore the inability of the occupation to shield its hinterlands from the Resistance’s strategic strikes.
Impact on Agriculture: Northern occupied Palestine, a vital agricultural hub contributing a third of the settler economy’s output, faced severe disruptions. The displacement of farmers and destruction of facilities led to acute shortages, particularly in eggs, where 73% of "Israelﾒs" annual production originates. To mitigate the crisis, the regime was forced to import 45 million eggs—a stark indication of the systemic vulnerabilities exposed by the war. The loss of agricultural stability not only weakened local food security but also underscored the dependence of the regime’s economy on fragile and highly contested territories.
Tourism Disruption: Tourism, a cornerstone of the settler economy, suffered dramatic setbacks. The northern region’s evacuations and the constant threat of rocket fire rendered it inhospitable to visitors. Overnight bookings plummeted by 63% compared to October 2023 and an even more staggering 86% relative to October 2022. Such disruptions further deepened the financial strain on the regime, dismantling one of the key narratives of economic stability that it touts to its international backers.
Financial Market Volatility: The war sent shockwaves through financial markets, triggering sharp declines in the shekel’s value as investor confidence waned. Bond markets experienced significant volatility, driving up borrowing costs for the regime. While external traders, particularly Wall Street banks, capitalized on this instability, reporting record revenues from trading Israeli assets, the short-term profits for global capitalists highlighted the long-term economic precarity of the occupation. These dynamics underscored the extent to which "Israel" remains an economically vulnerable entity, reliant on external intervention and speculative capital.
Broader Implications: The war plunged the Israeli regime’s budget deficit to 8% of GDP, driven by skyrocketing military expenditures and the cost of reconstruction. Inflation rose to 3.5%, compounding household hardships amid rising prices and disrupted supply chains. Despite an illusory 3.8% annualized GDP growth in Q3 2024—largely driven by emergency reconstruction and consumption—this uptick reflected reactive, short-lived economic activity rather than any genuine recovery or stability. The dependence on ephemeral drivers of growth highlighted the underlying fragility of an economy structured around settler colonialism and military expansionism.
Impact on Haifa Port
Hezbollah's precision strikes on Haifa Port during the war further exposed the vulnerabilities of one of "Israel’s" most vital economic arteries, delivering a decisive blow to its maritime infrastructure. Haifa Port, a keystone of the Israeli settler-colonial economy, endured significant damage that disrupted trade routes and exposed the fragility of an entity reliant on global economic networks to sustain its occupation-driven model.
The first salvo of rockets targeting Haifa on October 6, 2024, marked a turning point in the war. Subsequent barrages, including a large-scale attack on November 24 involving over 250 rockets, caused extensive damage to port facilities and surrounding infrastructure. The strikes set cargo containers ablaze, crippled docking stations, and rendered several operational zones inoperative, forcing the rerouting of maritime traffic to alternative ports. These disruptions reverberated across "Israel’s" economy, stalling the flow of goods and amplifying supply chain vulnerabilities.
The damage sustained by Haifa Port not only laid bare the limits of the regime's defensive capabilities but also signaled a broader collapse of confidence in its infrastructure. Global shipping companies hesitated to dock in Haifa, further isolating "Israel" economically. Haifa's symbolic significance as a hub of Zionist settler colonial expansion deepened the impact of its targeting. By striking a nerve center of "Israel’s" economic apparatus, Hezbollah effectively demonstrated the hollowness of "Israel’s" claims of invulnerability.
Hezbollah's Strategic Narrative
Hezbollah’s strategic narrative has solidified over time, positioning the group not only as a steadfast defender of Lebanese sovereignty but also as a central force in the broader resistance against the settler-colonial Israeli regime. Rooted in decades of steadfast opposition to occupation and dispossession, this narrative has gained increasing legitimacy both locally and internationally, redefining Hezbollah’s role as a key player in the regional balance of power.
Defender of Lebanon and the Resistance: Hezbollah’s portrayal as the unwavering protector of Lebanese sovereignty against Zionist aggression has become a cornerstone of its identity. This role is not merely rhetorical; it is a material response to decades of occupation, invasion, and dispossession inflicted by the Israeli regime. Hezbollah has come to represent the aspirations of a people long denied their basic rights, rising above sectarian lines to stand as a powerful symbol of defiance against imperialism. This image resonates widely across the Arab world, solidifying the Resistance’s place as both legitimate and indispensable.
Enhanced Military Capabilities: The post-2006 period marked a significant evolution in Hezbollah's military doctrine. The group’s arsenal now includes an extensive array of precision-guided rockets and missiles capable of reaching deep into occupied territories. These advancements, demonstrated with devastating effectiveness during the recent war, are not accidental but the result of deliberate preparation in anticipation of prolonged asymmetrical warfare. Throughout the conflict, Hezbollah introduced new variations of existing weaponry, such as the Fadi-1 series of rockets, maintaining the capacity to disrupt Israeli operations while sustaining its own operational tempo. This ability to innovate and adapt underscores the strategic depth of the Resistance, which has not only survived but thrived under conditions of constant external aggression.
Negotiating Power in Ceasefire Agreements: The recent ceasefire negotiations epitomize Hezbollah's ascension as a decisive actor in the region. Far from being a passive participant, Hezbollah dictated terms that forced the Israeli regime to retreat from southern Lebanon, effectively conceding ground to the Resistance. This outcome reflects Hezbollah's capacity to translate battlefield successes into political leverage, securing agreements that align with its strategic objectives. In doing so, the group has demonstrated its ability to challenge not only the Israeli occupation but also the imperialist powers underwriting its existence.
A Material Narrative of Resistance: Hezbollah's strategic narrative is grounded in the material realities of resistance. Its military advancements, political influence, and negotiating power are not abstractions; they are the concrete expressions of a movement that has repeatedly outmaneuvered a heavily militarized occupation. The outcomes of recent wars, including the reshaping of ceasefire dynamics, have further solidified Hezbollah's standing as an outstanding force capable of altering the political and military landscape of the Middle East.
Ceasefire as a Tactical Win
The ceasefire agreement, brokered by imperialist powers such as the United States and France, stands as a resounding tactical triumph for Hezbollah, cementing provisions that decisively aligned with the Resistance's strategic objectives. The deal mandated the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon within 60 days, stripping the occupation of its direct military foothold near Hezbollah strongholds, while simultaneously affirming the Resistance’s control over key territories north of the Litani River. In doing so, the agreement underscored Hezbollah's dual role as a resilient military force and an unyielding defender of Lebanese sovereignty.
This victory illuminated Hezbollah’s unparalleled ability to influence negotiations with global powers, exposing the inherent limitations of Western-led campaigns to dismantle the Resistance. Despite the overwhelming support of the United States and France—staunch patrons of Israeli security—the terms of the ceasefire reflected Hezbollah's superior strategic positioning. The failure of these powers to curtail Hezbollah's influence further exposes the hollowness of their interventionist ambitions, as their efforts unraveled under the weight of the Resistance’s growing legitimacy and operational sophistication.
The ceasefire also exposed the vulnerabilities of the Israeli settler-colonial project. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s admission of the regime’s need to regroup and shift focus to other priorities, including managing the backlash against its normalization agreements with Arab states, implicitly acknowledged the toll inflicted on its military and economic apparatus.
Within the Knesset, the ceasefire was branded an "all for nothing" outcome, with some ministers conceding that the deal was a necessary retreat to avert catastrophic losses. Such revelations dismantled the long-standing myth of Israeli military invincibility, revealing the occupation's incapacity to decisively counter Hezbollah’s resistance.
Moreover, the ceasefire signified the broader collapse of Western ﾠinterventionist policiesﾠin the region. Decades of military aid, diplomatic isolation tactics, and coercive measures designed to erode Hezbollah’s capabilities were rendered futile. Instead, the Resistance emerged from the war with its stature not only intact but significantly bolstered, reaffirming its centrality to anti-colonial struggles in the Middle East. The unwavering connection between Hezbollah and its local and regional support base proved far more durable than the imperialist strategies designed to undermine it.
In essence, the ceasefire agreement was not merely a tactical win for Hezbollah but a symbolic defeat for Western imperialism. It demonstrated the capacity of grassroots Resistance movements to withstand and counteract the hegemony of global powers and their regional proxies. This success reinforces Hezbollah’s narrative as a legitimate and steadfast force, committed to defending Lebanon and challenging the broader structures of domination that underpin imperialist aggression in the Middle East.
Regional and Popular Support
The 2023-2024 war indelibly fortified Hezbollah's status as a vanguard of resistance across the Arab and Islamic worlds, embedding its regional and popular support within the material realities of anti-colonial struggle. In the face of Lebanon’s profound economic and political crises, Hezbollah’s actions resonated powerfully with populations throughout the Middle East, reaffirming its role as the unwavering defender of sovereignty and an unrelenting opponent of Zionist aggression. Its appeal lies in its ability to articulate and embody the collective yearning for dignity and resistance against occupation.
At the heart of this narrative stood the towering figure of martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, whose leadership and steadfast resolve became the living symbol of defiance. His strategic acumen and unshakable commitment to the cause inspired deep loyalty and admiration, not only in Lebanon but throughout the region. Revered in life and in martyrdom, Sayyed Nasrallah came to personify the resilience and justice sought by those for whom resistance is not merely an option but a necessity for liberation. His legacy continues to galvanize the spirit of resistance, embodying the collective aspirations of dignity and sovereignty
The martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah a week into the war was an Israeli attempt at disintegrating Hezbollah and weakening its structure, military performance, and morale. "Israel", over the past few months, executed a series of assassinations targeting Hezbollah's top leadership command. Just like with Hamas, "Israel" gambled on the possibility of destructuring the Resistance by eliminating not only the masterminds behind its operational superiority, but the founders of the organization itself. On September 17 and 18, the Israeli regime also triggered two mass terrorist attacks by detonating portable pagers and transceivers used by members of Hezbollah (administrative and military), resulting in thousands of casualties, hoping to diminish their service before launching their large-scale aggression on September 23.
However, because Hezbollah is extraordinarily organized and prepared for battle, the martyrdom of its frontline command and its most beloved leader, as well as the loss of thousands of its members, proved, as it has vehemently stressed before, that assassinations and martyrdom only nourish its determination. Consequently, its will to march to the frontlines and rain rockets down as far as Tel Aviv (and beyond), in eternal service and allegiance to their people, manifested and strengthened the people's reciprocation of utmost loyalty to the Resistance.
Domestically, the Israeli war machine sought to undermine Lebanese unity by deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure and safe zones under the guise of neutralizing resistance leadership. These acts of terror, designed to sow division and incite civil strife, ultimately failed to achieve their objectives. Instead, the massacres and destruction only solidified national cohesion, as the Lebanese populace rallied around Hezbollah and its supporters in an unprecedented display of unity. The Israeli regime's attempts to manufacture internal discord backfired spectacularly, reinforcing the collective resolve of a society nearing victory.
Militarily, Hezbollah proved its capacity to sustain prolonged operations under relentless international scrutiny and military pressure. Its endurance in the face of one of the most advanced armed forces in the world underscored its strategic sophistication and operational resilience. This not only deepened its domestic support but also resonated across the region, where admiration for its ability to outlast and outmaneuver the Israeli occupation grew steadily.
Internationally, the war revealed the moral bankruptcy of Western powers, whose governments enabled Israeli aggression while repressing pro-Palestinian voices at home. In the collective West, solidarity with Hezbollah and the Palestinian cause emerged as a direct response to the complicity of Western states in genocide and colonial violence. Activists and ordinary citizens across Europe and North America faced state repression for opposing imperialist aggression, yet their defiance only amplified the growing disillusionment with the hypocrisy of so-called liberal democracies.
The West’s suppression of dissent—through visa revocations, home raids, arrests, and police brutality—exposed the hollowness of its claims to champion human rights. The dissonance between its rhetoric and actions unraveled rapidly, discrediting government narratives and fueling widespread anger. Movements like the student uprisings on US campuses, the protests of Dutch football fans, and the solidarity campaigns of UK-based groups such as Palestine Action marked the awakening of a global consciousness that shifted support away from imperialist states to the oppressed and those who defend them.
By steadfastly championing Palestinian rights and opposing external domination, Hezbollah amplified its influence far beyond Lebanon’s borders. It became a beacon of resistance against the forces of oppression, inspiring solidarity across diverse communities united in the pursuit of justice. Sayyed Nasrallah’s role as a rallying figure cemented this legacy, while also galvanizing a shared vision of dignity and sovereignty in defiance of foreign domination. Through its actions and narrative, Hezbollah solidified its position not just as a regional force but as an emblem of global resistance against colonialism and imperialism.
What's next
Hezbollah's sustained military, economic, and political pressure on the Israeli settler-colonial regime, while maintaining and strengthening its own territorial and strategic positions, has solidified its status as a victorious force among its supporters and beyond. The economic damage inflicted throughout the war has been as impactful as direct military losses, leading to a ceasefire driven largely by combat fatigue and an urgent need for economic recovery.
However, the potential for this economic respite to lead to a more sustainable strategy for "Israel" remains uncertain. Internationally, "Israel's" credibility has sufferedﾠdue to its actions during the war, with analysts noting a significant decline in its global standing. Domestically, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shown a reluctance to fully embrace ceasefire agreements, indicating a preference to continue military operations.
Notably, the regime’s ability to agree to a ceasefire with Hezbollah demonstrates that it is equally capable of pursuing similar agreements with Hamas, should political will and strategic interests align. We foresee tremendous pressure mounting on Netanyahu from the families of captives, who will undoubtedly demand an exchange deal with Gaza at the earliest opportunity. We also foresee a continued and steady decline of "Israel's" economy as the global boycott movement gains momentum, amplifying its impact and potentially escalating further in the near future.
All in all, the ceasefire agreement, far from being a compromise, stands as a testament to Hezbollah's resilience and tactical superiority. Combined with the devastating toll inflicted on the Israeli regime’s military apparatus and the cascading international legal and diplomatic crises confronting its leadership, this outcome solidifies the narrative of a Resistance that not only endured but emerged from this protracted war stronger, more legitimate, and more rooted in the regional and global struggle against imperialism and occupation.
