TEHRAN- Sheikh Naim Qassem, the Hezbollah deputy secretary-general, addressed several points in a televised address following the martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

The speech marks the first public address by a Hezbollah official after the movement announced the martyrdom of its secretary-general on Saturday. 

In his speech, Sheikh Qassem extended his condolences to the Lebanese people and the Islamic and Arab nations on the martyrdom of Sayyed Nasrallah. 

He emphasized the resistance movement will continue the path of martyr Seyyed Nasrallah, and the ongoing confrontation with the Israeli occupation regime in support of Gaza and in defense of Lebanon, its people and in response to the Israeli attacks and assassinations.

Sheikh Qassem confirmed that "Hezbollah will select a new secretary-general at the earliest opportunity in accordance with the party’s approved mechanisms," noting that "we will fill the leadership positions on a permanent basis. The choices will be easy because they are clear."

He explained that "within the party’s structure, there are deputies for the leaders and reserve replacements ready to assume positions if a leader is struck in any capacity," and that "the plans set by Sayyed Nasrallah to replace leaders and commanders who have been assassinated are being closely followed."

"Everyone is present and ready on the battlefield," he noted in reference to the 100,000 fighters at Hezbollah's disposal. 

Sheikh Qassem added, "Some of us become martyrs, but others will carry the path to victory soon," stressing that "the brothers continue their work according to an organized structure and follow the alternative plans for individuals and leaders."

Despite the loss of several leaders, attacks on civilians and significant sacrifices, he affirmed, "We will not waver even slightly from our positions, and the resistance will continue to support Gaza and Palestine, and defend Lebanon and its people."

Sheikh Qassem underlined, “Resistance operations will continue at the same pace and even more after the assassination of Sayyed Nasrallah," pointing out that "the battle is long, and our options are wide."

He emphasized that Hezbollah "will confront any scenario should the Israelis enter on the ground," adding, "we are ready for a ground confrontation with the enemy if it decides to enter Lebanese territory." 

He declared, "Israel was not able to strike our military capabilities, and this is a dream that they have not and will not achieve. Our capabilities are strong and great." 

Sheikh Qassem continued, "We have prepared and are confident that the Israeli enemy will not achieve its goals, and we will emerge victorious," stating that the operations, which the Lebanese resistance is executing currently is at "the minimum required as part of the overall plan to continue the battle, according to assessments, outlined plans, and battlefield needs."

He stressed that "Israel will not be able to undermine Hezbollah’s capabilities despite the assassination of its leaders. If Israel believes that the silence of the international community will allow it to achieve its goals, it is delusional." 

On Friday, the Israeli military dropped bunker-buster bombs on a neighborhood in the southern suburbs of the capital Beirut. The attacks led to the martyrdom of Seyyed Nasrallah, several of his companions, and a senior Iranian military advisor. The attacks also left dozens of civilians dead. 

Experts believe the United States played a major role in the bombardment.