Hezbollah leader rejects disarmament calls amid rising tensions

Naim Qassem asserts that Hezbollah will not disarm without guarantees from Israel and the U.S.

Hezbollah leader vows to keep arms amid disarmament calls

BEIRUT — Hezbollah’s chief has firmly rejected calls to disarm, threatening new conflict with Israel if it escalates its aggression against Lebanon. Naim Qassem's comments came during a Lebanese cabinet meeting that discussed the contentious issue of disarming Hezbollah, a demand from the U.S. Following a ceasefire in November 2024 that ended over a year of conflict, which left Hezbollah significantly weakened, the group maintains it will not disarm while Israeli attacks continue. President Joseph Aoun has pushed for a state monopoly on arms and has linked international support to disarming Hezbollah, which the group has historically refused. Qassem declared that negotiations for disarmament cannot take place while Israel remains a threat.

Qassem's adamant stance reflects the deep-rooted tensions between Hezbollah and both Lebanon's government and the United States. As Lebanon grapples with a severe crisis, the dilemma becomes not just about arms but also national sovereignty and security. Hezbollah's survival, deeply intertwined with Iranian support, complicates diplomatic efforts. The group's refusal to disarm raises questions about Lebanon's political stability and its relationship with the international community, particularly as it seeks aid amid economic turmoil. With calls for disarmament intensifying, Hezbollah's position creates a precarious balance where any misstep could lead to renewed violence.

Highlights

The future of Hezbollah and its arms status remains uncertain amidst ongoing geopolitical pressures.