General Qaani Reveals Key Untold Details: Ismail Haniyeh Was Not Informed of October 7 Operation

According to Rokna, the Quds Force commander, speaking during the “Ham Ahd” program, explained that the operation was carried out by Hezbollah as a divine, Islamic, and religious duty, and in defense of the oppressed, through the wisdom, prudence, and correct decision of Martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

Hezbollah played a serious and influential role in supporting and backing the Palestinian resistance and carried out a series of operations against settlers in the north of the occupied territories.

On the day of the “Al-Aqsa Storm” operation, October 7, upon entering Lebanon, I thought about how to speak with Sayyed Hassan about this incident and what should or should not be done.

Before any words could be exchanged, I observed that Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, from the very moment of the start of the operation, had immersed himself deeply in his religious and divine duty.

It was notable that neither we, nor Sayyed Hassan, nor even the senior leaders of Hamas, were informed of the exact timing of the operation. When the Gaza operation was announced, Haniyeh was en route to the airport for his trip to Iraq and practically learned of it on his way back.

Leader of the Revolution Praised the Fighters

The Quds Force commander continued: The firmness and prudence of the commanders in Gaza demonstrated that this sensitive operation required special precision and planning.

As the Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated, “I kiss the foreheads of those who carried out this great work.” This statement reflects the wisdom and greatness of their action.

While no one knew about the start of the operation, Martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah carefully and systematically outlined the necessary steps.

Martyr Nasrallah, by understanding Lebanon’s social conditions, synchronized the timing of the operation with a night when the southern region would be less crowded. This choice was a clear example of his wise and duty-oriented prudence, which was quickly and successfully implemented.

Sayyed of Resistance Displayed Steadfastness After Pager Incident

The Quds Force commander added: Until his martyrdom, Martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in critical moments, challenged the Zionists with prudence and determination, both militarily and psychologically.

For nearly two weeks, without delivering a speech, he instilled fear in the Zionist regime, proving his mastery of all dimensions of warfare, from military to psychological.

During the tragic pager explosion incident that left thousands martyred and wounded, Sayyed Nasrallah stood with exemplary perseverance, emphasizing with a historic statement that if our society were not Imam-Husseini in spirit, such calamities would be unbearable.

His spiritual and strategic vision sustained Hezbollah and the people through the harshest conditions. Despite concerns for his safety and extensive protective measures, martyrdom ultimately became the destiny of this great leader.

Hezbollah Immobilized the Israeli Army in the South

The commander of the Quds Force stressed: The Zionist regime could not withstand Hezbollah’s pressure, which engaged one-third of its army in southern Lebanon, disrupting the equation of war.

After a series of crimes, including the martyrdom of commanders and the pager explosion incident, the great crime of the martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was committed.

In this attack, in addition to heavy bombs, chemical materials were also used, making it a clear war crime.

Martyr Sayyed Nasrallah was not only the leader of Hezbollah but was regarded as the steadfast mountain of Lebanon; a figure on whom people, whether Shia or non-Shia, leaned during the toughest crises.

Hezbollah Stood Firm Despite Global Pressure

The Quds Force commander emphasized: At a time when Hezbollah’s senior commanders were being martyred one after another, and the pager incident dealt a heavy blow to the Shia community and the resistance, the Zionist regime launched the toughest war in its history against Hezbollah.

This unequal battle was not limited to the Israeli army; the United States, NATO, and even some governments claiming to be Islamic stood behind it, providing the regime with all the latest military tools.

Throughout the 66-day war, despite unprecedented pressure, Hezbollah stood firm and achieved a remarkable accomplishment in the history of resistance. Even at the height of attacks, the intensity of enemy fire surpassed that of many heavy operations in past wars, yet the resistance endured.

Enemy Fire Continued Relentlessly

The commander of the Quds Force stated: In the 2006 war, the Zionist regime exerted unprecedented pressure on Hezbollah forces using artillery, mortars, aircraft, and advanced drones.

Unlike ordinary wars where enemy fire ceases during troop movements, in this battle enemy fire never stopped. Drones, with high precision and advanced weaponry, targeted every movement of the forces.

The enemy’s response was so swift that the interval between mortar firing and impact was only fractions of a second. This operation, despite threats and widespread crimes against civilians in southern Lebanon, was an unprecedented experience in modern warfare.

Hezbollah’s Resistance Was Unparalleled

General Qaani emphasized that concentrated planning kept Hezbollah’s forces alive: The intensity of fire in this war was such that it is considered the most unprecedented in all global wars. What sustained Hezbollah was precise and focused planning of operations.

Each region had various units and separate command posts, and even smaller units known as “baq’a” had defined missions, independent supply lines, necessary equipment, and fully briefed, self-sufficient personnel who carried out operations without requiring direct orders.

Despite the intensity of the operations, providing resources under such conditions was extremely difficult. However, despite these constraints, Hezbollah forces managed to resist for 66 days against the Israeli army, which was supported by all global powers.

No powerful army in the world could withstand such endurance against an enemy with this level of capability and brutality. Here, the greatness of Hezbollah’s resistance was clearly evident.

General Qaani: Zionist Regime Requested a Ceasefire

He noted that Hezbollah forces stood firm under both psychological and military pressure, adding: Many media reports understate the reality of Hezbollah’s war. The Zionist regime requested a ceasefire at a time when, had it been capable of continuing, it would have fought on against Hezbollah’s organized resistance.

In addition to effective defense against the enemy’s ground advances, Hezbollah’s offensive operations also expanded.

From the first day of the war, the Zionist regime, in addition to military actions, waged a heavy psychological campaign against Hezbollah and the people to weaken the morale of the fighters, including the bombing of homes and harm to civilians.

Nevertheless, Hezbollah forces, relying on faith, spirituality, and the infrastructure built by Martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, stood firm under the harshest conditions, both militarily and psychologically.

Resistance in the Toughest Modern War

The commander of the Quds Force continued: From the first week of the war, any military expert could recognize that Hezbollah was gaining strength under enemy pressure.

The use of drones and missiles to target sensitive Zionist objectives was rarely mentioned in reports. Just two days before the Zionist regime’s ceasefire request, Hezbollah fired more than 350 missiles, both small and large, at the enemy.

These operations included strikes on a soldiers’ dining hall, Haifa, and even Prime Minister Netanyahu’s residence, reflecting Hezbollah’s unparalleled military and psychological capabilities.

This resolve and power stemmed from spiritual and ideological foundations, a spirit of sacrifice, and precise planning. At the height of pressure, Hezbollah proved how, in the toughest modern wars, resistance and power could be displayed simultaneously; the same 66-day war that is considered among the most difficult battles of our time.

United States and International Community Failed Commitments

The Quds Force commander said: If the Zionist regime had been able to disarm or destroy Hezbollah militarily, it would have continued the war and not stopped. At one point, the regime requested a ceasefire simply to catch its breath.

Despite declared commitments and signed agreements, U.S. support and global silence led to the violation of these commitments.

Lebanon’s internal issues, unique to the Lebanese, also had distinct effects and complexities on regional dynamics.

After the war, no new UN resolution was issued; only Resolution 1701, related to the 33-day war, was referenced, with all parties speaking of its implementation.

Hezbollah, with patience, prudence, and wisdom, prevented further escalation. While some regime officials prematurely claimed Hezbollah’s destruction, the battlefield reality revealed otherwise.

Martyr Safieddine: A Pillar of Cooperation with Martyr Nasrallah

The Quds Force commander stated: Martyr Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, from the founding of Hezbollah, was a highly valuable and great man who worked side by side with Sayyed Hassan in various responsibilities and maintained continuous communication with him.

This great martyr was the principal pillar of cooperation with Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, although he acted in such a way that few recognized his fundamental role.

Sayyed Hashem was Hezbollah’s executive head, overseeing almost all of the organization’s non-military affairs, including cultural, social, and humanitarian support for the people—particularly in recent years of severe economic pressure on Lebanon.

Under Sayyed Hassan’s direct leadership, assistance to both Shia and non-Shia communities was carried out as a major, challenging effort, spearheaded by Sayyed Hashem. His spirituality, determination, and greatness were evident.

Following Sayyed Hassan’s martyrdom, Sayyed Hashem approached the post of Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, and communication with him became difficult, until a meeting for dialogue was arranged.

The Quds Force commander said: Martyr Safieddine preserved Hezbollah with strong management after the martyrdom of Sayyed Nasrallah.

There were no signs of weakness in Sayyed Hashem’s face, demonstrating his remarkable spiritual, psychological, and moral strength. When I saw him personally, he stood with such determination and greatness that it inspired us as well.

The significance of Sayyed Hashem’s role lay in maintaining Hezbollah’s steadfastness under difficult conditions after Sayyed Hassan’s martyrdom. By appointing new commanders and making organizational changes, he ensured Hezbollah did not falter.

He was widely recognized among Hezbollah members for his firm will. Although communications were limited, reports reached us that he remained firmly committed after Sayyed Hassan, proving his leadership strength.

While his executive work was largely with non-military sectors, he also became involved in military matters when Sayyed Hassan ordered it.

General Qaani: Hezbollah Demonstrated Growth and Strength Despite Pressure

When an individual focuses on a matter, he identifies all effective factors and works to influence them in various ways.

Sometimes such measures are aimed at creating psychological effects or preserving operational style to prevent the enemy from easily identifying plans.

Fortunately, friends in the field, with precise planning and high determination, managed affairs well. Our duty was to be alongside them and to serve them.

Through these efforts, Hezbollah, which might have faced challenges within Lebanese society, soon displayed remarkable growth and honor.

This progress became evident not only to the enemy but also to Lebanese society and global observers. Hezbollah’s performance across various domains proved it was far stronger than could be weakened by enemy pressure.

Islamic Revolution Strategy: Foundation for Victory in War

We are witnessing a battlefield where missiles and aircraft are used, and Iran has engaged to the extent of its capacity and will continue to do so. This grand battlefield is part of a larger strategy, behind which lies a greater doctrine: a tactic where sometimes we strike and sometimes we receive blows.

Fortunately, in the 12-day war, the overall outcome was in our favor, and by divine will, we achieved victory with honor. This strategy, rooted in the logic of the Islamic Revolution, defending truth and exposing falsehood, has made us the ultimate victors.

Over time, the vile nature of the Zionist regime becomes clearer to the world, as does the corrupt and false image of the United States, hidden behind appearances.

Despite the vast global investments supporting the Zionist regime, today people worldwide, even those unfamiliar with Palestine before, are rising in support of the Palestinian people.

Resistance Grows Stronger Over Time

The Quds Force commander declared: The strategy of resistance is victory, and we will continue to prevail; this strategy will break the back of Israel and the United States.

The Zionist regime, by increasing its missiles and aircraft, cannot eliminate the resistance, because resistance is like a sword that becomes sharper the more it is honed.

The eight-year war in Yemen showed that resistance can grow stronger and more equipped over time. Losses do not signify defeat, and the resistance front becomes more powerful under pressure.

Today, Hamas and other Palestinian resistance groups possess stronger missiles, and despite the regime’s restrictions and losses, enemy objectives have not been realized, while resistance remains stronger than ever.

General Qaani: War Entails Losses, But Resistance Endures

War inherently involves losses and difficulties, yet the confrontation between two cultures and two spirits makes the differences starkly evident.

Although the resistance front may suffer losses, due to its characteristics, its endurance exceeds that of its adversary.

On the battlefield, losses are natural, but strategically, the victory of truth over falsehood is increasingly manifest worldwide.

This is evidenced by the millions who rally in support of Palestine across various countries—historic gatherings in those nations.

This trend highlights the growing clarity of truth versus falsehood in the world and paves the way for the advent of Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance).

Lebanese Society and Army See Hezbollah as Security Guarantee

One aspect of Hezbollah’s strength after Sayyed Hassan’s martyrdom lies in its firm leadership, embodied in the esteemed figure of Sheikh Naim.

His determination in managing affairs and confronting the enemy, particularly in countering U.S. and Zionist pressures, has become evident.

The position of Hezbollah’s Secretary-General is increasingly strengthened within Lebanon’s Shia community and society at large, helping preserve the group’s core command structure.

The Lebanese people and the nation’s officials, especially the army, fully realize that Lebanon’s security is guaranteed by Hezbollah’s presence, and without it, no entity could provide security. This understanding has led to logical responses and support from the Lebanese army for Hezbollah.

Through Sheikh Naim Qassem’s leadership and Hezbollah’s management, the organization’s body, with a sense of responsibility, preserves the legacy of Sayyed Hassan and Sayyed Hashem, showing clearly that Hezbollah is not leaving Lebanon.

Martyr Soleimani’s Role in Resistance Success

Hezbollah enjoys broad support from Lebanon’s Shia community as well as many Christians and Sunnis, who consider its presence a great blessing and strive to preserve it.

These achievements are the precious legacy of Hezbollah’s past leaders, especially Sayyed Hassan and Sayyed Hashem, which, God willing, will be safeguarded.

The real winners are those who stand with Hezbollah, while the losers are those who oppose it—including the Zionist regime and its allies.

After the martyrdom of Qassem Soleimani, when I assumed command of the Quds Force, in my first meeting with Sayyed Hassan, we discussed Soleimani’s prominent role in resistance success and his deep friendship with him.

The bond between these two great figures combined profound affection with serious attention to the affairs of the resistance. The contribution of Martyr Soleimani to the success of the resistance and the strengthening of Hezbollah is undeniable.