Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem said the group will not hand over its weapons, warning against a United States-backed plan for Lebanon that calls for disarming in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and international support for reconstruction.
“The resistance will not hand over its weapons while the [Israeli] aggression continues, and if necessary, we will fight it as a Karbala-style battle and we are confident we will prevail,” Qassem said Friday, according to Al-Mayadeen TV Channel.
Newsweek has contacted the U.S. State Department and the Lebanese Foreign Ministry for comment.
Why It Matters
The U.S. has been actively involved in crafting a plan aiming at disarming Hezbollah by the end of the year, also tying it to economic support for the country’s reconstruction.
Qassem’s remarks come just as Iran’s newly appointed security chief met with Hezbollah in Beirut, vowing support amid increasing pressure on regional proxy forces to disarm. This pressure has intensified following Hezbollah and Hamas’ military weakening by Israel in the ongoing Gaza conflict that started in October 2023.
In June, Hezbollah declared it would refrain from responding to Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran out of respect for the Lebanon ceasefire. Iran’s other allies including the active Houthis, also did not interfere militarily.
What To Know
Qassem accused the Lebanese government of following U.S.-Israeli directives to dismantle Hezbollah’s armed resistance, in a televised speech, where he said disarming the resistance would deprive the Lebanese people of crucial defenses during attacks.
In reference to a historic Shia battle in the 7th century, the Battle of Karbala, the group’s spokesperson signaled it would resist even at great cost.
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), described resistance as a “great asset” for the region and the Islamic world, during a visit to the country where he also met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, according to Iranian media.
Last week, Lebanese ministers from Hezbollah and its allies walked out of a Cabinet meeting protesting the plan, according to the Associated Press, as the government is concerned that potential international aid—crucial for addressing Lebanon’s prolonged economic crisis—may hinge on state control over weapons.
Israel has long sought the disarmament of Iran’s network of proxy groups. Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged numerous ceasefire breach accusations as border skirmishes continued.
What People Are Saying
Hezbollah Leader Sheikh Naim Qassem said Friday, translated from Arabic: “The government is carrying out the U.S.-Israeli order to end the resistance, even if it leads to civil war and internal strife. The Lebanese government bears full responsibility for any internal strife and for abandoning its duty to defend Lebanon’s land.”
U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Thomas Pigott told reporters on August 7: “Special Envoy Tom Barrack made it clear what the President needs to see. As long as Hizballah retains arms, words will not suffice. The Lebanese Armed Forces must fully commit and act now to fully implement the government’s decision. The credibility of Lebanon’s government rests on its ability to match principle with practice.”
Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani said Wednesday in Beirut according to the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA): “The young fighters of Hezbollah are a source of pride for all Muslims, and walking the path of the martyr Nasrallah requires steadfastness in resistance. We are always with you and will support you.”