Hezbollah chief rejects disarmament as US-Israeli project to weaken Lebanon
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem has warned that Lebanon is facing a “historic turning point,” where it must choose between yielding to “US-Israeli domination” or preserving its sovereignty through resistance.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the second anniversary of senior resistance commander Hajj Muhammad Hassan Yaghi, also known as Abou Salim, in the city of Baalbek on Sunday, Qassem said the United States and Israel are pursuing a project of “full guardianship” over Lebanon.
He also pointed out that the calls for Hezbollah's disarmament, now being presented as a “weapons monopoly,” are part of a broader US-Israeli effort to weaken Lebanon and serve Israeli interests.
“Requesting a weapons monopoly while the Zionist regime continues to invade Lebanon means this demand is not in the best interest of Lebanon, but rather serves Israel,” Qassem said.
He further accused the US of supporting corruption and undermining Lebanon's economy since 2019, while noting that Israeli aggression has persisted despite a 2024 agreement intended to halt hostilities.
Qassem also asserted that Hezbollah, in collaboration with other groups, the Lebanese army, and the public, has played a pivotal role in defending and “liberating” the country.
He described the cooperation between the army and the resistance as a “key pillar” of national security, adding that this coordination has greatly unsettled Hezbollah's adversaries.
The Hezbollah chief further criticized Israel for its failure to fulfill its commitments under the ceasefire framework, including ending violations and withdrawing from occupied Lebanese territory.
“No new action is expected from Lebanon unless the Israeli side first fulfills its commitments,” Qassem said. “The era of unilateral demands from Lebanon is over.”
Qassem firmly rejected any involvement of Lebanon as a “police force” for Israel, asserting the country's rights to its land, dignity, and sovereignty.
He also emphasized that Israel's withdrawal from occupied areas is “a necessity, not a privilege,” and called for a complete cessation of air, land, and sea attacks, the release of prisoners, and the initiation of reconstruction in southern Lebanon.
Qassem further reaffirmed Hezbollah's strong alliance with the Amal Movement, describing it as “deep, stable, and unbreakable.”
He also cautioned that the loss of southern Lebanon would pose a risk to the entire country.
Qassem further stressed that discussions regarding Lebanon's national security strategy can only commence after Israel complies with its obligations, affirming that Hezbollah and the resistance will persist in their path “with dignity, strength, and courage,” despite the sacrifices.
Largest global journalists’ union urges Jordan to free pro-Palestine reporter
Hezbollah condemns deadly terror attack on worshippers in Syria’s Homs
Hezbollah rejects internal discord, will not fight Lebanese army: Senior official
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
Over 10,000 people displaced in three days in Sudan: UN agency
Ben-Gvir pushes bill to restrict Muslim call to prayer across occupied Palestine
VIDEO | Muslim leaders convene in Lucknow to discuss community issues
Iran plans further satellite launches in February: Space chief
VIDEO | Bethlehem’s Aida refugee camp playground faces demolition threat
VIDEO | Gaza medical students defy Israeli occupation to resume education
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland 'naked invasion’ of Somalia's sovereignty: President
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
