Hezbollah leader warns of ‘existential threat’ amid US-Israeli disarmament push

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem has warned that a US-Israeli push to disarm the resistance in Lebanon is a calculated prelude to the annihilation of the Lebanese nation.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the birth anniversary of Imam al-Mahdi, the twelfth Shia Imam believed to be in occultation, Sheikh Qassem addressed mounting pressure from Washington and Tel Aviv.

The United States and Israel have been exerting heavy pressure on the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah, conditioning the end of Israel’s occupation of Lebanese territory and the provision of financial assistance on such a move.

“Today, we are in a phase of defending our land, our rights, and our very existence. We are facing an existential threat aimed at erasing us.”

He said the Lebanese people face a choice between confronting the occupation or submitting to it, relinquishing sovereignty and land, and turning against the Resistance as a result of an imbalance of power.

“We must say ‘no’ to the enemy as far as we can, refuse surrender, and confront it, because the pretext of neutralizing strength is merely a prelude to ending our existence.”

Sheikh Qassem said Israel is targeting all of Lebanon, not just specific areas, sects, or political groups.

“The enemy occupies our land, and this homeland belongs to us along with our brothers and loved ones. We will not accept relinquishing a single inch of land while it assaults a segment of this homeland, placing responsibility on everyone,” he said.

The Hezbollah leader said the movement is ready to discuss ways to confront Israel with all those who believe in resistance.

“Whoever stands with the enemy to pressure us into surrender is not acting from a national standpoint, because sovereignty is a collective national responsibility.”

Israel must fulfill its obligations

Referring to the 2024 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, Sheikh Qassem said no further measures are required from Lebanon, and that the five-member monitoring committee should instead demand that Israel fulfill its obligations rather than exert pressure on Beirut.

He urged Lebanese officials to explain to foreign envoys that “you cannot pressure your own people, who have offered many martyrs and wounded in defense of the homeland and its sovereignty.”

Addressing repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon in violation of the ceasefire, Sheikh Qassem rejected Israel’s claim that it is targeting Hezbollah fighters.

He accused Israel of deliberately striking civilian areas, including Kfar Tebnit and Ain Qana, in an effort to terrorize the population into surrendering and abandoning the Resistance.

“When the enemy fails to target fighters, it resorts to targeting civilians, homes, and municipalities, killing anyone within reach.” 

Sheikh Qassem lamented that Western powers continue to support Israel, while the Lebanese government pressures Hezbollah to comply with Israel’s excessive demands.

He said while the West claims to be protecting “Israel’s security,” it is in fact enabling further aggression to pave the way for what he called the creation of a “Greater Israel.”

The Hezbollah chief said the Resistance has accumulated 42 years of experience and achievements.

“To those who threaten us by saying the enemy is capable of harming us, we say that we are also capable of harming the enemy—but everything has its time.”

He said the presence of Hezbollah, the Amal Movement, national forces from various sects, and the Lebanese Army constitutes a national asset capable of achieving major accomplishments.

“Between submission and humiliation, we choose martyrdom,” he said. “The promise of victory remains despite all afflictions, hardships, and challenges.”

Contribution to Lebanon stability

Sheikh Qassem said that despite difficult circumstances, Hezbollah continues to work toward building the Lebanese state, citing its role in facilitating the election of the president and the formation of the government.

“Our ministers work for the benefit of all Lebanon, while some ministers are dragging the country toward sedition, plunging it into darkness, and acting as though the government were merely a card in the hands of the party they serve.”

He warned that certain political forces do not seek to build the state, but instead pursue vengeance and retaliation, confronting Hezbollah with insults and abuse.

“While the Resistance and its supporters are recognized worldwide as a symbol of sovereignty and liberation, self-proclaimed advocates of sovereignty act according to American dictates.”

Sheikh Qassem urged these groups to realign themselves with national interests so that Lebanon’s people can unite and emerge victorious.

“Let us work together on the pillars of honor and sovereignty: halting the aggression, withdrawal from occupied lands, liberation of prisoners, and reconstruction,” he said.

Iran capable of defeating US, Israel

In his remarks, Sheikh Qassem said Iran is capable of defeating the United States and Israel in the current confrontation, amid heightened threats by Washington of potential military action against Tehran.

“Iran is the jewel of the crown in the world and will continue on its path.”

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran with new acts of aggression in recent weeks following unrest in the country.

In early January, Trump warned of attacks on Iran if what he described as “peaceful protesters” were harmed.

Hezbollah official warns US strike on Iran could ‘trigger volcano’ in West Asia

A senior Hezbollah official has warned the US against any act of aggression against Iran, stating that such adventurism could backfire and ‘trigger a volcano’ in the West Asia region.

Days later, on January 8 and 9, armed groups launched coordinated attacks on police stations, military bases, and other sensitive sites, as well as civilian infrastructure, in several cities, prompting security forces to respond. Iranian officials said the attacks were intended to cause mass casualties and destabilize urban centers across the country.

Officials have criticized Western media outlets for circulating what they describe as grossly inflated casualty figures and for blaming the Iranian government.

Some Western reports have claimed up to 30,000 deaths following what they describe as “peaceful protests.”

However, official Iranian records show that 3,117 people were killed in the riots, including 2,427 civilians and security personnel, whom Tehran says were killed by terrorist groups.

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