Hezbollah MP says surrender has ‘no place’ and vows right to self-defence

A Hezbollah MP has said that surrender has “no place” in the movement’s vocabulary, stressing its right to defend itself if attacked.

Speaking on Sunday, Hezbollah MP Hussein Hajj Hassan made the remarks during a political meeting organised by Hezbollah’s public relations department in the Bekaa Valley.

Hajj Hassan said Israel is exerting security, military and political pressure aimed at eliminating the resistance and its weapons. “We tell them that the resistance remains and is ready to defend Lebanon and its interests,” he said.

He added that Lebanon’s priorities — “the resistance, the people and the army” — are to stop the aggression, secure the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Lebanese territory, secure the release of prisoners, begin reconstruction, and engage in discussions on a national defence strategy.

Hajj Hassan said Lebanon has complied with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, while Israel has failed to do so and has not adhered to the cessation of hostilities agreement.

“There is no place for surrender in our vocabulary, and we have the right to defend ourselves if attacked,” he said.

The Hezbollah MP also said the group supports holding elections on schedule. He said that attempts had been made in recent years to isolate or weaken the Shiite national alliance, but stressed that relations between Hezbollah and the Amal Movement remain strong and continue to deepen.

His remarks come a day after Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the first phase of the state’s weapons control plan — covering areas south of the Litani River — is nearing completion.

Salam said the government is prepared to move to the second phase of the plan, which would extend north of the Litani River, based on a proposal prepared by the Lebanese Army at the government’s request.