Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said on Sunday that Israel "must leave Lebanon," according to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-affiliated Tasnim News Agency.
Qassem referred to Israel as the "aggressor," saying that there will be "no safe zone" for IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon.
The Hezbollah chief described Israeli actions in Lebanon as having "revealed its humiliation" through the killing of Lebanese civilians.
"The escalation of Israel's recent crimes and the daily killing of civilians and children, such as the tragedy of the Al-Tahir family and the destruction of houses, do not show the strength of this regime, but rather depict the height of its weakness and humiliation in front of the world's public opinion," he said.
He further accused Israel of seeking to deceive negotiators, saying the country "did not give any concessions to Lebanon in the past months and only sought deception, intensified attacks, and dictated its demands."
"Passivity against these excesses is considered a damage to Lebanon's national sovereignty, and the resistance will never surrender to this approach," added Qassem.
Qassem noted that Hezbollah "enjoys the great support of the leadership, the nation, and the Islamic Republic of Iran."
Qassem: MoU includes protection of Lebanon
"The signing of the memorandum of understanding, the first paragraph of which emphasizes the need to immediately stop the aggression against Lebanon, is a manifestation of selflessness, honesty, and the use of all of Iran's capacities to defend the independence and nation of Lebanon," Qassem said. "Some claim Iran's involvement in these matters, while the real supporters of the country have not changed."
He added that the United States is "also responsible for this crisis," noting that the US has "reconsidered" its relationship with Iran amid the start of negotiations between the two countries.
"The prosperity and improvement of Lebanon's situation can only be realized in the shadow of peaceful life, national solidarity, and non-dependence on foreigners, so that relying on this alliance, we can stand against the Zionist enemy and regain national sovereignty," said Qassem.
"The resistance continues to stand strong, and any ceasefire must be comprehensive and inclusive," he added. "In this direction, the Lebanese government should take advantage of the useful memorandum of understanding with the Islamic Republic of Iran to improve the country's conditions."
Qassem added that Hezbollah "cooperates" with the Lebanese Army, which he holds responsible for "maintaining the sovereignty of the country."
Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese MP decries calls to disarm
Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese MP Hassan Fadlallah criticized those in the Lebanese governemnt demanding a state monopoly on weapons, Iran's IRNA news agency reported on Sunday.
"Those who talk about a monopoly on arms, if they have the ability to do it, go ahead and do it," said Fadlallah. "We say to them, 'Your time in power will expire, but our resistance and our weapons will remain.'"
"The resistance is not a tool in anyone’s hands; the people themselves are the resistance," he added. "We have no option but steadfastness and resistance."