Beirut, Lebanon – Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, has sharply criticized the Lebanese government, accusing it of offering unwarranted concessions while Israel, according to him, has provided nothing in return. Qassem’s remarks, delivered during a memorial service for a founding member of the party, signal escalating tensions in the region.
Qassem characterized the disarmament of Hezbollah as an American-Israeli project aimed at dismantling the resistance and annexing parts of Lebanon to Israel. He emphasized that Lebanon should not be expected to take further steps before Israel fulfills its obligations under the ceasefire agreement that came into effect in November 2024.
“The Lebanese state is not responsible for being a policeman for the Israeli enemy,” Qassem stated, demanding an end to Israeli aggression against Lebanon and a complete withdrawal from occupied territories. He asserted that Hezbollah has adhered to the terms of the ceasefire agreement, while accusing Israel of continuing “killings and security incursions into Lebanon using various nationalities.”
Hezbollah’s Secretary-General argued that the Lebanese army’s deployment in southern Lebanon was contingent on Israel ceasing its aggression, releasing prisoners, and facilitating reconstruction. “Offering additional measures to the enemy from Lebanon is an irresponsible and dangerous act that harms major national interests,” he warned.
Qassem further stated that any resolution to the security situation in Lebanon is contingent on Israel’s implementation of the agreement, its withdrawal, and the cessation of its violations. Only then, he argued, can a national security strategy be discussed in a way that serves Lebanon’s interests and strength. He reiterated his view that disarming Hezbollah, even under the guise of arms control, is a US-Israeli scheme designed to cripple Lebanon’s military capabilities and undermine the financial and social well-being of a significant segment of the Lebanese population. “This project seeks to end the resistance, annex part of Lebanon, and turn the rest into a tool managed by the United States and the Zionist entity,” he concluded, vowing that Hezbollah will remain strong and a courageous defender, regardless of the difficulties and sacrifices.
