Hezbollah’s deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem blasted Lebanon’s plan to disarm the terror group, warning of chaos, strife, and even civil war if their weapons are taken away.
In a fiery televised address on Monday, Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem vowed that the terror organization will never give up its arsenal, rejecting the Lebanese government’s plan to disarm the group by the end of the year. His remarks, delivered during a memorial for former Hezbollah leader Ayatollah Sayyed Abbas Mousawi, honored what he called the “resistance martyrs” while doubling down on Hezbollah’s militant agenda.
Qassem framed the government’s decision as a betrayal of Lebanon’s sovereignty:
“This is not a national decision. It is an American text, expanded by Israel and adopted by the government. The United States supervises this government and supports the enemy. Lebanon’s sovereignty is at risk.”
He insisted Hezbollah’s weapons remain essential:
“We will not abandon the weapon that defends our nation. Those demanding its removal must first remove the occupation.”
Calling the cabinet’s ruling illegitimate, Qassem warned supporters to mobilize, urging a week of activism on the streets and online:
“Go to social media, speak to ministers, write articles, and take to the streets. Say clearly: we will not allow the resistance to be disarmed.”
The speech grew increasingly threatening as Qassem predicted internal collapse if disarmament is enforced:
“You are leading the country toward strife and civil war. There will be an explosion from within. The people will not be silent.”
Hezbollah’s deputy chief declared that its arsenal is non-negotiable, portraying disarmament as surrender to Israel:
“Our path is resistance. Our arms are not for internal use. They are to defend against occupation and protect our land. We will not give them up. The alternative is submission to the enemy—and that we will never accept.”
The remarks underscore the growing confrontation between Hezbollah and Lebanon’s Western-backed government, raising fears that a political showdown over disarmament could tip the fragile nation toward violent instability.
