Hassan Nasrallah

Hassan Nasrallah is the secretary-general of the Shiite terrorist group Hezbollah, and an important figure in Lebanese politics.Guy Raz, “Hassan Nasrallah: Mideast Man of the Minute,” National Public Radio, July 18, 2006, http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5566717. Although Nasrallah does not hold official office in Lebanon, terrorism expert Walid Phares asserted, “[Nasrallah is] seen as a messianic figure, much higher than any official in Lebanon.”Eben Kaplan, “Profile: Hassan Nasrallah,” Council on Foreign Relations, August 11, 2010, http://www.cfr.org/lebanon/profile-hassan-nasrallah/p11132. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, Nasrallah has shaped Hezbollah into the dominant political power in Lebanon and is the “driving force” behind the group’s military operations.​Eben Kaplan, “Profile: Hassan Nasrallah,” Council on Foreign Relations, August 11, 2010, http://www.cfr.org/lebanon/profile-hassan-nasrallah/p11132.

Nasrallah assumed leadership of Hezbollah in 1992 after Israel assassinated his predecessor, co-founder of the group Abbas Musawi.Guy Raz, “Hassan Nasrallah: Mideast Man of the Minute,” National Public Radio, July 18, 2006, http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5566717. Under Nasrallah’s leadership, Hezbollah has assumed many state functions in Lebanon’s Shiite-majority south by providing a social welfare network, schools, housing, and other services. These activities have boosted Hezbollah’s and Nasrallah’s popularity.Guy Raz, “Hassan Nasrallah: Mideast Man of the Minute,” National Public Radio, July 18, 2006, http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5566717.

Many in the Middle East view Nasrallah as a heroic figure for appearing to successfully stand up to Israel.Ronen Bergman, “The Fall of Hezbollah’s Leader,” Bloomberg Business, June 24, 2013, http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-06-24/the-fall-of-hezbollah-s-leader. Hezbollah claimed credit for forcing Israel to end its 22-year occupation of southern Lebanon in 2000.Marjorie Miller, John Daniszewski, and Tracy Wilkinson, “Israel leaves South Lebanon after 22 years,” Los Angeles Times, May 24, 2000, http://articles.latimes.com/2000/may/24/news/mn-33497. According to National Public Radio’s Guy Raz, “Nasrallah is seen as a hero [throughout the Arab world] — a leader capable of inflicting pain on Israel.”Guy Raz, “Hassan Nasrallah: Mideast Man of the Minute,” National Public Radio, July 18, 2006, http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5566717. However, Nasrallah’s popularity in Lebanon has suffered since 2012 as a result of Hezbollah’s involvement in the Syrian civil war.“Hezbollah Promises Syria ‘Victory,’” BBC News, May 25, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22669230.

Iran and Hezbollah have maintained strong ties under Nasrallah’s leadership, with Iran providing Hezbollah with financial and military support.Anoushiravan Ehteshami, “The Foreign Policy of Iran,” in The Foreign Policies of Middle East States (Boulder: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2002), 298; Jonathan Masters and Zachary Laub, “Hezbollah (a.k.a. Hizbollah, Hizbu’llah),” Council on Foreign Relations, January 3, 2014, http://www.cfr.org/lebanon/hezbollah-k-hizbollah-hizbullah/p9155. In September 2012, Nasrallah pledged to attack Israel if it or the U.S. attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities.Rana Muhammad Taha, “Nasrallah Threatens US on Behalf of Iran,” Daily News Egypt, September 4, 2012, http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2012/09/04/hezbollah-if-attacked-iran-could-attack-us-bases/. After the January 3, 2020, death of Qasem Soleimani, commander of Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps., Nasrallah called for attacks on U.S. military installations around the Middle East.Liz Sly and Sarah Dadouch, “Hezbollah says retribution for Soleimani’s death must target U.S. military, not civilians,” Washington Post, January 5, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/hezbollah-says-retribution-for-soleimanis-death-must-target-us-military-not-civilians/2020/01/05/50869828-2e62-11ea-bffe-020c88b3f120_story.html.

In May 2018, the U.S. Treasury and the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center—which includes the governments of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates—sanctioned Nasrallah along with other top Hezbollah officials. According to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the sanctions demonstrate a collective rejection of “the false distinction between the so-called ‘Political Wing’ and Hezbollah’s global terrorist plotting.”“U.S. sanctions Hezbollah leader Nasrallah, deputy Qassem,” Reuters, May 16, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-hezbollah-sanctions/u-s-targets-hezbollah-leader-nasrallah-deputy-qassem-with-sanctions-idUSKCN1IH2QA. Previously, the United States designated Nasrallah in January 1995 as a Specially Designated Terrorist under Executive Order 12947 and again in September 2012 under Executive Order 13582 for providing support to the Syrian government.“Treasury Targets Hizballah for Supporting the Assad Regime,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 10, 2012, http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1676.aspx; “Treasury Designates Hizballah Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 13, 2012, http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1709.aspx; “Treasury and the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center Partner Together to Sanction Hizballah’s Senior Leadership” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 16, 2018, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0387.

On November 27, 2020, unknown assailants killed senior Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in Iran. U.S. intelligence described Fakhrizadeh as the driving force behind Iran’s nuclear program. Some U.S. officials claimed Israel was behind the assassination.Kylie Atwood, “US official says Israel was behind assassination of Iranian scientist,” CNN, December 2, 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/02/politics/iran-scientist-israel-assassination-us/index.html. In response to the killing, Nasrallah reportedly canceled all travel plans and intended to remain in one undisclosed location out of concern Israel might target him.“Hezbollah chief said to hunker down amid fears he could be targeted by Israel,” Times of Israel, November 29, 2020, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hezbollah-chief-said-to-hunker-down-amid-fears-he-could-be-targeted-by-israel/. In early December, Kuwaiti media reported that Nasrallah planned to indefinitely relocate—or had already relocated—to Iran. According to the reports, Lebanese and regional intelligence had recorded increased communications between the IRGC and Hezbollah to plan the move.Tzvi Joffre, “Hezbollah’s Nasrallah to move to Iran amid regional tensions – report,” Jerusalem Post, December 3, 2020, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/hezbollahs-nasrallah-to-move-to-iran-amid-regional-tensions-report-650992.

On June 29, 2021, Nasrallah met with Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Beirut to discuss the fighting between Israel and Gaza-based terror groups led by Hamas, which escalated in May 2021 after Hamas fired rockets into Israel. The two leaders reportedly affirmed the relationship between Hezbollah and Hamas.Aaron Boxerman, “Hamas leader Haniyeh meets Hezbollah chief Nasrallah in Beirut,” Times of Israel, June 29, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-leader-haniyeh-meets-hezbollah-chief-nasrallah-in-beirut/.

Hezbollah remains committed to responding to Israeli airstrikes on open land, with Nasrallah claiming on August 7, 2021 that the group’s actions could escalate in an “appropriate and proportional way” in the future.“Hezbollah chief Nasrallah says group could escalate its response to Israel,” Reuters, August 7, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hezbollah-chief-nasrallah-said-group-could-escalate-response-israel-2021-08-07/. The statement was made following Israel carrying out its first air raids on Lebanese soil in years on August 5th, with Hezbollah launching retaliating attacks the next day.“Hezbollah vows 'suitable and proportionate' response to any Israeli air strikes on Lebanon,” France 24, August 8, 2021, https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20210808-hezbollah-vows-suitable-and-proportionate-response-to-any-israeli-air-strikes-on-lebanon.

Following the Taliban’s August 15, 2021 takeover of the Afghan government, Nasrallah delivered a speech in which he called the takeover “the moral downfall of America.” Given the Taliban’s conquest, Nasrallah criticized U.S. support overseas, particularly in Israel, which he conjectured would face a fate similar to Afghanistan if it continues to rely on U.S. support.Aaron Boxerman, “Hezbollah chief: Israel should learn from Afghanistan that US is unreliable,” Times of Israel, August 18, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hezbollah-head-israel-should-learn-from-afghanistan-that-us-is-unreliable/.

On August 19, Nasrallah announced that an Iranian fuel tanker would sail toward Lebanon—a violation of U.S. sanctions imposed on Tehran—warning Israel and the United States to not intercept the vessel that is expected to set sail that day.“Hezbollah Says Iranian Fuel Tanker to Sail to Lebanon Soon,” Voice of America, August 19, 2021, https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/hezbollah-says-iranian-fuel-tanker-sail-lebanon-soon; “Iranian fuel tanker heads for crisis-hit Lebanon, says Hezbollah,” France 24, August 19, 2021, https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20210819-iranian-fuel-tanker-heads-for-crisis-hit-lebanon-says-hezbollah. The fuel would allegedly be used for desperately needed supplies for “hospitals, manufacturers of medicine and food, as well as bakeries and private generators,” in Lebanon. However, some analysts believe the fuel will be sent to Syria and refined there.“Daring Israel and US to act, Hezbollah says Iran fuel tanker to sail to Lebanon,” Times of Israel, August 19, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hezbollah-says-iran-fuel-tanker-to-sail-to-lebanon-dares-israel-and-us-to-act/. Nasrallah announced a few days later on August 22 that a second vessel is set to sail out sometime soon, with the first vessel having allegedly departed from Iran on August 19. According to media sources, the arrival of Iranian fuel—despite the risk of sanctions—will purportedly offset Lebanon’s financial crisis as fuel has run dry and shortages have incited deadly violence throughout the country.“Lebanon's Hezbollah says Iranian fuel vessels setting off soon,” Reuters, August 23, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanons-hezbollah-says-iranian-fuel-vessels-heading-lebanon-2021-08-22/.

As Saudi Arabia has engaged Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations have designated Hezbollah as a terrorist group and downgraded their relations with Lebanon. In response, Nasrallah and Hezbollah have stepped up their rhetoric against the Saudi monarchy. In September 2016, Nasrallah declared Saudi Arabia’s Wahhabi ideology to be “more evil than Israel.”“Hezbollah chief prefers Israel over Wahhabism,” Ya Libnan, September 27, 2016, http://yalibnan.com/2016/09/27/hezbollah-chief-prefers-israel-over-wahhabism/; “Nasrallah: Wahhabism ‘more evil’ than Israel,” Times of Israel, September 27, 2016, http://www.timesofisrael.com/nasrallah-wahhabism-more-evil-than-israel/. Thousands of Hezbollah supporters at an October 2016 rally reportedly chanted “Death to the Al Saud,” referring to Saudi Arabia’s ruling family.“Hezbollah sees more conflict in Syria and rising regional tension,” Reuters, October 11, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-hezbollah-idUSKCN12B2FG?il=0. During a January 3, 2022, televised address, Nasrallah accused Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdul Aziz of exporting ISIS’s ideology and providing cars for suicide attacks in Iraq. Nasrallah further accused Saudi Arabia of participating in a wider conspiracy to destroy the Middle East. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s office soon after issued a statement distancing the Lebanese government from Nasrallah’s address.Kareem Chehayeb, “Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah accuses Saudi Arabia of ‘terrorism,’” Al Jazeera, last updated January 4, 2022, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/3/hezbollahs-nasrallah-accuses-saudi-arabia-of-terrorism. Mikati called Nasrallah’s comments antagonizing Saudi Arabia “not in Lebanon’s interest.”Timour Azhari, “Hezbollah’s criticism of Saudi not in Lebanon’s interest - PM,” Reuters, January 3, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hezbollahs-criticism-saudi-not-lebanons-interest-pm-2022-01-03/.

Through October 2022, Lebanon and Israel was engaged in an international dispute over the Karish gas field in the Mediterranean Sea, which both countries claimed was partly in their territorial waters. On June 5, 2022, a tanker ship owned by London-based hydrocarbon exploration company Energean PLC arrived off the coast of Israel to produce natural gas in conjunction with Israel. Lebanon condemned the ship and called for a renewal of U.S. mediation over the gas field. In a June 9 televised speech, Nasrallah declared Hezbollah is “not afraid of war” and can stop Israel from extracting gas from the maritime field.“Lebanon’s Hezbollah can stop Israeli gas extraction from disputed field, chief says,” Reuters, June 8, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/head-lebanons-hezbollah-says-his-group-has-capacity-prevent-israel-extracting-2022-06-09/. He accused Energean of being “a partner in this attack on Lebanon” and threatened “consequences” for Energean.“Lebanon’s Hezbollah can stop Israeli gas extraction from disputed field, chief says,” Reuters, June 8, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/head-lebanons-hezbollah-says-his-group-has-capacity-prevent-israel-extracting-2022-06-09/; Agence France-Presse, “Lebanon should block Israel gas extraction move: Hezbollah chief,” Al-Monitor, June 9, 2022, https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/06/lebanon-should-block-israel-gas-extraction-move-hezbollah-chief. Israel promised to defend its energy infrastructure and rights in the area.“Lebanon Disputes Israel's Right to Develop Karish Offshore Gas Field,” Maritime Executive, June 8, 2022, https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/lebanon-disputes-israel-s-right-to-develop-karish-offshore-gas-field. Lebanon and Israel signed a maritime border agreement on October 27, 2022. Nasrallah declared Hezbollah would end the “exceptional measures and mobilizations” it adopted during negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.Tzvi Joffre, “Hezbollah ends state of alert over maritime border – Nasrallah,” Jerusalem Post, October 27, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-720784. Nasrallah called the agreement a great victory for Lebanon and Hezbollah. He emphasized Hezbollah’s position against any normalization with Israel, accusing critics of the deal of being blinded by their hatred.Tzvi Joffre, “Hezbollah ends state of alert over maritime border – Nasrallah,” Jerusalem Post, October 27, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-720784.

After Lebanese President Michel Aoun’s term expired in October 2022, Hezbollah delayed the election of a new president in parliament. Lebanon’s president installs a new government’s ministers, and the parliament is responsible for electing the president. But Hezbollah and its allies prevented a quick selection of a successor to Aoun. Hezbollah claimed it would not support a president who would be subservient to the United States or Israel.“Hezbollah won’t accept new Lebanese president subservient to US, Israeli regime,” Press TV, December 2, 2022, https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/12/02/693771/Hezbollah-won%E2%80%99t-accept-new-president-who-would-give-into-US-Israeli-projects--Top-official. In March 2023, Hezbollah announced its support for pro-Syria Christian politician Suleiman Frangieh to become the country’s next president. Frangieh is a former Lebanese minister and reportedly a friend of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Nasrallah called him the “natural candidate.”Timour Azhari and Laila Bassam, “Lebanon's Hezbollah backs Christian politician Frangieh for presidency,” Reuters, March 6, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanons-hezbollah-backs-christian-politician-frangieh-presidency-2023-03-06/.

During a July 12, 2023, speech marking the 17th anniversary of the start of the Second Lebanon War, Nasrallah refuted rumors Hezbollah wanted to cancel the Taif Accord—which ended Lebanon’s civil war—and end Lebanon’s system of tripartite power-sharing. Turning to Lebanon’s presidential crisis, Nasrallah said Hezbollah had faith in former president Michel Aoun that “the back of the resistance was secure and would not be stabbed.”“Nasrallah says Shebaa tent aimed at highlighting occupation of Ghajar, other areas,” Naharnet, July 12, 2023, https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/298930-nasrallah-says-shebaa-tent-aimed-at-highlighting-occupation-of-ghajar-other-areas. He reaffirmed Hezbollah’s choice of Franjieh as Lebanon’s president but said his group was open to discussion and would “not use the force of the resistance to impose anything inside the country.”“Nasrallah says Shebaa tent aimed at highlighting occupation of Ghajar, other areas,” Naharnet, July 12, 2023, https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/298930-nasrallah-says-shebaa-tent-aimed-at-highlighting-occupation-of-ghajar-other-areas.

On October 7, 2023, one day after the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, Hamas—with Iranian support—launched a multi-pronged attack on Israel, killing hundreds and taking over 200 hostages into Gaza. Josef Federman and Issam Adwan, “Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza stuns Israel and leaves hundreds dead in fighting, retaliation,” Associated Press, October 7, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2; “Israeli forces conducting ‘wide-scale strikes’ on Hamas centers in Gaza. Here’s everything you need to know,” CNN, October 9, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-gaza-attack-10-09-23/h_adebb4147fc4a83751908555ec54b8c0. The United States sent warships to the region as a warning to Hezbollah and other regional actors not to get involved. On October 13, Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem proclaimed Hezbollah was “fully ready” to join the war and U.S. warnings would have no effect on its decision. “Hezbollah says calls for it not to intervene in war ‘will have no effect,’” Reuters, October 13, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hezbollah-says-when-time-comes-any-action-we-will-carry-it-out-2023-10-13/. Since the start of the war, Hezbollah launched multiple anti-tank missiles toward Israeli positions in northern Israel. On November 3, Nasrallah gave his first speech on the ensuing war. Calling Hamas’s October 7 surprise attack a “heroic act,” Nasrallah declared Hezbollah had been engaged in the war since October 8. Timothy H.J. Nerozzi, “Hezbollah leader praises 'heroic' Hamas terror attack, threatens to expand fight against Israel,” Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/world/hezbollah-leader-praises-heroic-hamas-terror-attack-threatens-to-expand-fight-against-israel. He also claimed that Israeli forces were in fact responsible for Hamas’s Oct 7 massacre of Israeli citizens. “Hezbollah’s Nasrallah blames IDF for massacre of Israelis,” Jerusalem Post, November 3, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-771576. Nasrallah reiterated that Hezbollah is not intimidated by American threats. He in turn threatened to strike U.S. forces. He also warned Israel against going further in its assault on Hamas, promising to kill “a civilian for a civilian.”Gianluca Pacchiani, “‘A civilian for a civilian’: Nasrallah threatens attacks against Israelis, US troops in region,” Times of Israel, November 3, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/a-civilian-for-a-civilian-nasrallah-threatens-attacks-against-israelis-us-troops-in-region/.

Also Known As

Extremist entity
Hezbollah
Read Threat Report
Type(s) of Organization:
Militia, political party, social-service provider, terrorist, transnational, violent
Ideologies and Affiliations:
Iranian-sponsored, Islamist, jihadist, Khomeinist, Shiite
Position(s):
Secretary-General

Hezbollah is an Iranian-sponsored, internationally sanctioned terrorist group with an anti-Israel and anti-U.S. agenda. Hezbollah is primarily based in Lebanon, but has carried out terrorist and criminal operations around the world.

  • Designations
  • Rhetoric

United States

  • The Department of the Treasury designated Hasan Nasrallah a Specially Designated Terrorist under Executive Order 12947 in January 1995. The designation blocked all property and financial transactions in the U.S.“Treasury Targets Hizballah for Supporting the Assad Regime,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 10, 2012, http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1676.aspx.

    The Department of the Treasury designated Hasan Nasrallah on September 13, 2012, under Executive Order 13582 for providing support to the Syrian government. The designation called for the seizure of all assets of anybody in the U.S. doing business with the Syrian government.“Treasury Designates Hizballah Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 13, 2012, http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1709.aspx.

Nov. 3, 2023

“I tell Israel: Do not go any further. Many civilians have already died. I promise you: A civilian for a civilian.” Gianluca Pacchiani, “‘A civilian for a civilian’: Nasrallah threatens attacks against Israelis, US troops in region,” Times of Israel, November 3, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/a-civilian-for-a-civilian-nasrallah-threatens-attacks-against-israelis-us-troops-in-region.

Nov. 3, 2023

“Since the outbreak of the war, the US has threatened to bomb us in Lebanon from its military ships in the Mediterranean. We are prepared for whatever scenario. If an all-out war breaks out, you Americans will pay with your ships, your aircrafts and your soldiers. Remember your defeats in Lebanon and Iraq, and your humiliating withdrawal from Afghanistan. Those who defeated you in Lebanon in the 1980s are still alive and their children and grandchildren are ready to face you.

“Your fleet in the Mediterranean do not scare us… We are ready to face the fleet you threaten us with. Whoever wants to prevent a regional war must quickly stop the aggression on Gaza.”Gianluca Pacchiani, “‘A civilian for a civilian’: Nasrallah threatens attacks against Israelis, US troops in region,” Times of Israel, November 3, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/a-civilian-for-a-civilian-nasrallah-threatens-attacks-against-israelis-us-troops-in-region/.

Nov. 3, 2023

“What we have done since Oct. 8 is unprecedented in terms of our fighting strategy. Every day, we have been targeted Israeli soldiers, tanks, drones and sensors, the eyes and ears of Israel.”Timothy H.J. Nerozzi, “Hezbollah leader praises 'heroic' Hamas terror attack, threatens to expand fight against Israel,” Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/world/hezbollah-leader-praises-heroic-hamas-terror-attack-threatens-to-expand-fight-against-israel.

Nov. 3, 2023

Speaking publicly about Hamas’s October 7 surprise attack that killed at least 1,400 Israelis:

“We salute it.” Timothy H.J. Nerozzi, “Hezbollah leader praises 'heroic' Hamas terror attack, threatens to expand fight against Israel,” Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/world/hezbollah-leader-praises-heroic-hamas-terror-attack-threatens-to-expand-fight-against-israel.

Aug. 28, 2023

Warning the United Nations against renewing UNIFIL’s mandate:

“A foreign armed force that moves on Lebanese territory without authorization of the government and Lebanese army, without coordination with the Lebanese army, where is the sovereignty in all that?”“Hezbollah warns against renewing UN peacekeeping mandate in Lebanon,” i24news, August 29, 2023, https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/levant-turkey/1693285788-hezbollah-warns-against-renewing-un-peacekeeping-mandate-in-lebanon.

Aug. 28, 2023

“The Israeli enemy, in the face of the escalation of resistance in the West Bank, fled to accuse Iran and to pretend that what is happening there is an Iranian plan and that the Palestinians there are tools, and this is foolishness. The battle in the West Bank is with the Palestinian people. Yes, the Islamic Republic supports the oppressed Palestinian people, but the resistance project is a Palestinian project.”Tzvi Joffre, “Nasrallah warns Israel against targeting Hamas leaders in Lebanon,” Jerusalem Post, August 29, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-756625.

Aug. 28, 2023

“The threat of assassination is not new, and throughout the conflict with the Israeli enemy, it carried out assassinations. Were these assassinations able to shake the resistance? These threats do not make the resistance recede. Neither the threat nor the implementation of the threat will weaken the resistance, but will increase its determination, presence, and strength.”Tzvi Joffre, “Nasrallah warns Israel against targeting Hamas leaders in Lebanon,” Jerusalem Post, August 29, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-756625.

Aug. 28, 2023

“The enemy must admit that he is in an existential dilemma, and he will not find solutions, no matter how his leadership meets, and if they consult all the experts of the world, they will not be able to get out of their predicament. The only solution for the enemy entity is to leave Palestine to its people and owners, otherwise the fighting will continue generation after generation.”Tzvi Joffre, “Nasrallah warns Israel against targeting Hamas leaders in Lebanon,” Jerusalem Post, August 29, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-756625.

Aug. 28, 2023

In response to reports Israel may target Hamas leaders in Lebanon:

“It cannot be tolerated, and we will not allow Lebanon to open the arena for assassinations. We will not accept changing the rules of engagement that have existed since 2006, and the Israelis must understand this matter well.”Tzvi Joffre, “Nasrallah warns Israel against targeting Hamas leaders in Lebanon,” Jerusalem Post, August 29, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-756625.

Aug. 28, 2023

“The UN Security Council does not see what Israel is doing in Lebanon. Rather, they see how southern Lebanon does not constitute a threat to the enemy. Therefore, they want UNIFIL to be spies for the Israelis and they want UNIFIL where the Israeli drone, spy, or camera cannot reach.”Tzvi Joffre, “Nasrallah warns Israel against targeting Hamas leaders in Lebanon,” Jerusalem Post, August 29, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-756625.

April 14, 2023

Speaking at a Quds Day rally in Beirut:

“Today, we celebrate with faith and calmness and feel security, strength, and power. But yesterday, the Israeli entity announced its alertness on all fronts, prepared Iron Domes on all fronts, and sent worthless threatening messages to all the countries in the region. We have created a powerful deterrent mechanism against Israel and its actions, as evidenced by what happened last week. The Israeli reaction is ridiculous. So far, neither Lebanon nor Syria or Gaza are interested in a conflict or war,” but “Israel should be scared, deterred and worried.

…

“It may explode, I warn Israel and the United States - the Muslim and Christian holy places are our red line... and the Palestinian red line.”

…

“The United States is busy with other fronts such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and the confrontation with China, and this is very troubling to the Israeli leadership. When the power of the United States weakens as a hegemonic power, it strategically affects Israel, and Israel’s deterrent power weakens because it relies on the U.S.”Matthias Inbar, “‘It may explode:’ Hezbollah chief issues stark warning to Israel in Quds Day speech,” i24 News, April 14, 2023, https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/levant-turkey/1681481581-hezbollah-chief-marks-quds-day-with-a-warning-to-israel.

October 1, 2022

Speaking about anti-regime protests spreading across Iran following the September 16 death of a woman in custody of Tehran’s morality police for improperly wearing a hijab:

“The Iranian state is a target and so any incident is exploited... to incite against this state. This vague incident was exploited and people took to the streets.”Agence France-Presse, “Hezbollah Chief Calls Amini Death ‘Vague Incident,’” Barron’s, October 1, 2022, https://www.barrons.com/news/hezbollah-chief-calls-amini-death-vague-incident-01664640607.

Jan. 3, 2022

Televised speech addressing Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz:

“Your Majesty, the terrorist is who exported the Daesh ideology to the world. The terrorist is the one who sent thousands of Saudis to conduct suicide operations in Iraq and Syria, and it’s you.”Kareem Chehayeb, “Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah accuses Saudi Arabia of ‘terrorism,’” Al Jazeera, last updated January 4, 2022, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/3/hezbollahs-nasrallah-accuses-saudi-arabia-of-terrorism.

Jan. 3, 2022

Televised speech addressing Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz:

“We didn’t attack Saudi Arabia. They were involved in the greater conspiracy that was destroying the region.”Kareem Chehayeb, “Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah accuses Saudi Arabia of ‘terrorism,’” Al Jazeera, last updated January 4, 2022, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/3/hezbollahs-nasrallah-accuses-saudi-arabia-of-terrorism.

May 25, 2021

“When holy sites face serious threats there are no red lines. All the resistance movements can’t sit back and watch if holy sites are in danger.”“Lebanon Hezbollah chief says attacks on Jerusalem mean regional war,” Reuters, May 25, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanon-hezbollah-chief-says-attacks-jerusalem-mean-regional-war-2021-05-25/.

Jan. 8, 2021

Statement responding to the January 6, 2020 riots at the U.S. Capitol building:

“What has happened in recent days is an example… See how futile and disastrous American democracy is. It lacks the necessary checks and this is how people like Trump get to power. How can elections give rise to a person so arrogant, criminal, crazy, and stupid, and let him run not only America, but the whole world, and control the fate of the world? This exposes the truth about American democracy, which they have tried to spread all over the world.”“Hezbollah chief: ‘Capitol storming revealed truth about US democracy’,” Jewish News Syndicate, January 12, 2021, https://www.jns.org/hezbollah-chief-capitol-storming-revealed-truth-about-us-democracy/.

Jan. 8, 2021

Statement responding to the January 6, 2020 riots at the U.S. Capitol building:

“We have been warning for a long time against the policies of this murderer [U.S. President Donald Trump]. What the Americans and the world have witnessed is a small sample of what Trump has been perpetrating for four years in many countries—in Yemen, in Iraq and in Syria, as well as his siege on Iran, Venezuela and other countries, in addition to his support for the Zionist crimes against the Palestinian people.”“Hezbollah chief: ‘Capitol storming revealed truth about US democracy’,” Jewish News Syndicate, January 12, 2021, https://www.jns.org/hezbollah-chief-capitol-storming-revealed-truth-about-us-democracy/.

Jan. 3, 2021

Statement on the 1st anniversary of Qasem Soleimani’s death:

“When we thank Iran, this is out of loyalty to those who backed and supported us to liberate our country.”“Gen. Soleimani Assassination Will Remain in History Forever: Hezbollah Chief,” Tehran Times, January 4, 2021, https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456572/Gen-Soleimani-assassination-will-remain-in-history-forever.

Jan. 3, 2021

Statement on the 1st anniversary of Qasem Soleimani’s death:

“Perhaps the funeral of General Soleimani was the greatest one in the history of mankind.”“Gen. Soleimani Assassination Will Remain in History Forever: Hezbollah Chief,” Tehran Times, January 4, 2021, https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456572/Gen-Soleimani-assassination-will-remain-in-history-forever.

Nov. 11, 2020

Statement after the U.S. presidential election:

“With a person like Trump anything is possible during the remainder of his term ... the axis of resistance should be in a state of high readiness to respond twice as hard in case of any American or Israeli folly.”“Lebanon’s Hezbollah chief gloats over Trump’s ‘humiliating downfall’ in U.S. election,” Reuters, November 11, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-election-lebanon-hezbollah-int-idUSKBN27R2UT.

Jan. 5, 2020

Responding to the death of IRGC-Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani in a January 3, 2020, U.S. airstrike in Iraq:

“It is the U.S. military that killed Haj Qasem, and they must pay the price…. The true, just retribution for those who conducted this assassination is an institution, which is the U.S. military. We will launch a battle against those killers, those criminals.”Liz Sly and Sarah Dadouch, “Hezbollah says retribution for Soleimani’s death must target U.S. military, not civilians,” Washington Post, January 5, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/hezbollah-says-retribution-for-soleimanis-death-must-target-us-military-not-civilians/2020/01/05/50869828-2e62-11ea-bffe-020c88b3f120_story.html.

July 17, 2019

In an interviewing claiming that Hezbollah has enough missiles to significantly destroy Israel

“Of course, the resistance can target this entire region, including Eilat. We used to say [we could target] anything south of Haifa, [and we were] referring to Tel Aviv, but today we say 'anything south of Tel Aviv' and 'anything south of Eilat.' If they have something south of Eilat, we will get there also, Allah willing…The entire northern [part of Israel] is within the range of our [weapons], from any part of Lebanon. We can [target] the north whenever we please.”“Hizbullah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah: We Have Enough Missiles To Send Israel Back To The Stone Age; Iran Would Be The First To Attack Israel If War Breaks Out,” July 17, 2019, https://www.memri.org/reports/hizbullah-secretary-general-hassan-nasrallah-we-have-enough-missiles-send-israel-back-stone.

Aug. 15, 2018

Address marking the 12-year anniversary of the end of the 2006 war with Israel:

“No one should threaten us with wars. If someone will go to war [with us] they are welcome. We are not afraid, we are prepared and if God is willing, we will win.”“Hezbollah at its strongest, Nasrallah warns Israel,” Daily Star (Beirut), August 15, 2018, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2018/Aug-15/460275-hezbollah-at-its-strongest-nasrallah-warns-israel.ashx.

Sept. 20, 2018

“It is our responsibility to stand with Iran.”“Nasrallah warns Israel: The resistance has evolved,” Daily Star (Beirut), September 20, 2018, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2018/Sep-20/463997-nasrallah-warns-israel-the-resistance-has-evolved.ashx.

Sept. 20, 2018

“The resistance has precision and non-precision missiles in their possession. If Israel wages a war on Lebanon, they will face a situation they would have never expected.”“Nasrallah warns Israel: The resistance has evolved,” Daily Star (Beirut), September 20, 2018, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2018/Sep-20/463997-nasrallah-warns-israel-the-resistance-has-evolved.ashx.

December 7, 2017

In response to a declaration by U.S. President Donald Trump recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel:

“The most important response would be a Palestinian uprising and an Islamic summit that would declare Jerusalem as the eternal capital of Palestine. We support the call for a new Palestinian [uprising] and escalating the resistance, which is the biggest, most important and gravest response to the American decision.”Sue Surkes, “Hezbollah leader: Trump move ‘a second Balfour Declaration,’” Times of Israel, December 7, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hezbollah-leader-trump-move-a-second-balfour-declaration/.

Sep. 27, 2016

“Wahhabism is more evil than Israel, especially [in] that it seeks to destroy others and eliminate whatever thing that has to do with Islam and its history.”“Hezbollah chief prefers Israel over Wahhabism,” Ya Libnan, September 27, 2016, http://yalibnan.com/2016/09/27/hezbollah-chief-prefers-israel-over-wahhabism/.

March 21, 2016

“There will be no ceiling, limits or red lines. We can strike any target we want inside occupied Palestine.”“Hezbollah chief warns Israel there will be ‘no red lines,’” Associated Press, March 21, 2016, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/72978c5085ef44eeb757f7a1d2c9a5a7/hezbollah-chief-warns-israel-there-will-be-no-red-lines.

Nov. 6, 2015

“What is going on now in Palestine reflects a lofty and sublime Jihad spirit. Despite the fact the ‘Greater Israel’ scheme has been frustrated, the Zionist entity is still powerful and threatens all the region’s peoples.”“Hezbollah leader lauds Palestinian ‘sublime Jihad spirit’ against Israel,” Jerusalem Post, November 7, 2015, http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Hezbollah-leader-lauds-Palestinian-sublime-Jihad-spirit-against-Israel-432291.

Oct. 24, 2015

“On this day we renew our condemnation of Saudi and American aggression in Yemen.”“Hezbollah leader condemns Saudi ‘aggression’ in Yemen,” Middle East Eye, October 25, 2015, http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/lebanons-hezbollah-attacks-saudi-arabia-amid-rising-sectarian-tensions-882364385.

Oct. 23, 2015

“Israel is a tool that is being used by the West to take control of the Middle East region … The US is responsible for the crimes being committed in Palestine.”Yasser Okbe, “‘US responsible for crimes being committed in Palestine,’ Hezbollah chief says,” Jerusalem Post, October 23, 2015, http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/US-responsible-for-crimes-being-committed-in-Palestine-Hezbollah-chief-says-429928.

Jan. 30, 2015

“The resistance no longer cares about rules of engagement, and we do not recognize them in confronting the enemy. We have the right to confront the enemy at any time, place or manner.”“Hezbollah, Israel claim victory, reset deterrence,” Al-Monitor, February 1, 2015, http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/01/hezbollah-israel-reset-deterrence.html?utm_source=Al-Monitor+Newsletter+%5BEnglish%5D&utm_campaign=57fa15b0fe-Week_in_review_February_2_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_28264b27a0-57fa15b0fe-102352589.

Jan. 16, 2015

“We have had [Fateh-110 missiles] since 2006. We are now stronger than we ever were as a resistance movement.”“Nasrallah warns Israel against any "stupid" moves in Lebanon, Syria,” Al Akhbar, January 16, 2015, http://english.al-akhbar.com/node/23240.

Jan. 16, 2015

Referring to alleged Israeli strikes on Syria: “The repeated bombings that struck several targets in Syria are a major violation, and we consider that any strike against Syria is a strike against the whole of the resistance axis, not just against Syria. The axis is capable of responding. This can happen any time.”“Nasrallah warns Israel against any "stupid" moves in Lebanon, Syria,” Al Akhbar, January 16, 2015, http://english.al-akhbar.com/node/23240.

Jan. 16, 2015

“We are busy in Lebanon, in Syria and probably in other places. But our utmost priority remains to stay ready to confront Israel.”“Nasrallah warns Israel against any "stupid" moves in Lebanon, Syria,” Al Akhbar, January 16, 2015, http://english.al-akhbar.com/node/23240.

Sep. 23, 3014

“America, is in our view, the mother of terrorism and the origin of terrorism.”“Hezbollah Leader Nasrallah Opposes US-Led Action in Syria,” Reuters, September 23, 2014, accessed October 28, 2014, http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Hezbollah-leader-Nasrallah-opposes-US-led-action-in-Syria-376245.

Apr. 2014

“Yes, the explosion in the Shebaa Farms that Hezbollah has not claimed until now was the work of the resistance, which means the work of Hezbollah.”Agence France-Presse, “Hezbollah Chief Admits Group Targeted Israeli Patrol,” Times of Israel, April 7, 2014, accessed August 4, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hezbollah-chief-admits-group-targeted-israeli-patrol/.

Dec. 2011

“Our Arab and Islamic nations should know that the American administration is the enemy and the threat.”Nada Bakri, “Hezbollah Leader Backs Syrian President in Public,” New York Times, December 6, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/world/middleeast/hassan-nasrallah-hezbollah-leader-showcases-defiance-in-rare-appearance.html.

Dec. 2011

“We will never let go of our arms.”Nada Bakri, “Hezbollah Leader Backs Syrian President in Public,” The New York Times, December 6, 2011, accessed August 4, 2014, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/world/middleeast/hassan-nasrallah-hezbollah-leader-showcases-defiance-in-rare-appearance.html.

Nov. 2009

"The (resistance) is a permanent national necessity that should last as long as the Israeli threat, and in the absence of a strong, stable state in Lebanon.”Nadim Ladki, “Hezbollah Cuts Islamist Rhetoric in New Manifesto,” Reuters, November 30, 2009, accessed August 4, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/11/30/us-lebanon-hezbollah-idUSTRE5AT3VK20091130.

Sep. 2006

“It was an American war by providing the arms and the planning and by giving deadline after deadline to the enemy. What stopped the war was the Zionists' failure to defeat us."“Hezbollah Leader: Militants ‘Won’t Surrender Arms’,” CNN, September 22, 2006, accessed October 23, 2014, http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/09/22/lebanon.rally/.

Oct. 22, 2002

“The US empire, which is slithering over our region, is incapable of arresting a single sniper in its capital.”Badih Chayban, “Nasrallah Alleges ‘Christian Zionist’ Plot,” Daily Star (Beirut), October 23, 2002, accessed June 3, 2014, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2002/Oct-23/21779-nasrallah-alleges-christian-zionist-plot.ashx#axzz33cF0Jcty.

Oct. 22, 2002

“Their aim is to redraw the world’s political map. It is said that several US presidents are affiliated with the Christian Zionists.”Badih Chayban, “Nasrallah Alleges ‘Christian Zionist’ Plot,” Daily Star (Beirut), October 23, 2002, accessed June 3, 2014, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2002/Oct-23/21779-nasrallah-alleges-christian-zionist-plot.ashx#axzz33cF0Jcty.

Oct. 22, 2002

“If they [Jews] all gather in Israel, it will save us the trouble of going after them worldwide.”Badih Chayban, “Nasrallah Alleges ‘Christian Zionist’ Plot,” Daily Star, October 23, 2002, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2002/Oct-23/21779-nasrallah-alleges-christian-zionist-plot.ashx#axzz33cF0Jcty.

2000

“I don't believe in the state of Israel as a legal state because it was founded on occupation.”“Profile: Sayed Hassan Nasrallah,” Al Jazeera, April 10, 2006, accessed October 27, 2014, http://www.aljazeera.com/archive/2006/04/2008410115816863222.html.

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Daily Dose

Extremists: Their Words. Their Actions.

In Their Own Words:

We reiterate once again that the brigades will directly target US bases across the region in case the US enemy commits a folly and decides to strike our resistance fighters and their camps [in Iraq].

Abu Ali al-Askari, Kata’ib Hezbollah (KH) Security Official Mar. 2023
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