In a June 2 interview with Hizbullah's TV channel, Al-Manar TV, the organization's Deputy Secretary-General, Sheik Naim Qassem, responded to reports that Hizbullah has suffered from attrition due to its involvement in Syria. Sheik Qassem explained that Hizbullah has been recruiting new members regularly and is ready for war with Israel.



Following are excerpts:



Sheik Naim Qassem: We have managed to draw in a large number of young people and families, and this has greatly increased our numbers both in Lebanon and within Syria. It is not as if we have an exhaustable number of supporters. No, this is a process. You lose some [members], but you recruit others and continue to grow. Otherwise, why would people have such confidence that Hizbullah is ready in Lebanon, and that if Israel decides to do anything...



Israel knows that if it makes a move today, we are ready for war. From where will we get all these people [to fight on both fronts]? The popularity of Hizbullah, and of the people joining its ranks... It is true that Hizbullah sacrifices martyrs, but at the same time, new members are joining by the hundreds and the thousands.



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If a "chick" from Hizbullah in some alley shouts that he is upset about something, the international media multiplies him by 200,000 or 300,000. All of a sudden, there is a problem with the entire movement. Take a look at the families of the young mujahid martyrs. Take a look at the mothers, the women, the elderly... The words they use to describe their support of the resistance is almost unbelievable. The most recent martyr instructed his mother to celebrate his nupitals upon his martyrdom. Indeed, she did so. She decorated the car as if he was getting married. Some families have sacrificed two martyrs. When you enter their home, the father and mother say together: We have three left. Two were martyred with glory and honor, and the other three are ready. Those three are not just ready. They are already in battle. [The parents] are expecting the third and fourth [martyrs].



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