Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has paid tribute to Hashem Safieddine, a top-ranking Hezbollah leader recently assassinated by Israel, describing the resistance movement as the “strongest defender of Lebanon and the most solid shield against the Zionist regime’s greed.”
“He was one of Hezbollah’s most prominent figures and a constant companion of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. It was through the wisdom and courage of leaders like him that Hezbollah was able to shield Lebanon from the threat of disintegration and collapse, successfully neutralizing the threat posed by the occupying regime, whose brutal army at times trampled as far as Beirut," Leader said in the message issued on Thursday.
“His courage and sacrifices and those of other commanders and fighters of the Nasrallah axis were key in averting the threat of the occupation and annexation of southern Litani, Tyre, and other cities in the region by the Zionist regime," the message added.
"Their efforts safeguarded Lebanon from being absorbed into occupied Palestine. Hezbollah put its valuable lives, resources, and honor on the line to preserve Lebanon's territorial integrity, leaving the aggressive and criminal Zionist regime thwarted in its greed,” the Leader said.
In his address to those concerned about Lebanon, the Leader emphasized the importance of "Hezbollah's selfless role," urging the public not to allow the enemy's false narrative about Hezbollah to be repeated.
“Today, Hezbollah remains Lebanon's strongest defender and the most solid shield against the Zionist regime’s greed, which has long targeted the division of Lebanon. The enemy seeks to deny Hezbollah's selfless role in protecting Lebanon. Those who care for Lebanon must not allow this false narrative to be echoed by their (enemy’s) voices,” Leader said.
Ayatollah Khamenei also emphasized that Hezbollah is alive and thriving, adding,” As always, the Islamic Republic will, by the will of God, support the fighters of Al-Quds and those resisting the occupation by the criminal gang that has usurped Palestine.”
The Leader also offered his congratulations and condolences to the family, comrades, and the resistance front over the martyrdom of Safieddine.