BEIRUT, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem on Monday accused Israel and the United States of waging a coordinated military, political, and economic offensive against Lebanon, local media reported.

"The central problem in Lebanon is the Israeli-American aggression, and it cannot be confronted with words or by relying on the United States, but through strength, resistance, and unity," Qassem said in a speech broadcast by al-Manar TV.

He described Israel as Lebanon's "central enemy," accusing it of expansionist ambitions in Lebanon and the wider region, and of systematically targeting civilians, infrastructure, agriculture, and reconstruction efforts to create fear, instability, and internal divisions.

Qassem said that after Israel failed to achieve its objectives on the battlefield, Washington had shifted from military support to political and economic pressure, including its push on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah.

Despite a ceasefire that took effect on Nov. 27, 2024, Israel has continued to carry out strikes in Lebanon, citing threats from Hezbollah, while maintaining positions at five key points along the Lebanese border. ■