Hezbollah Leader Rejects Disarmament as Foreign Plot

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem has publicly denounced the ongoing efforts to disarm the group in Lebanon, labeling them as an “Israeli-American plan.” He argues that these moves serve the interests of Israel while undermining Lebanon's sovereignty. Qassem's statements come in the context of a ceasefire agreement established in November 2024, which he claims Israel has violated by continuing military operations against Hezbollah and maintaining troops in strategic locations within Lebanon.

Hezbollah chief rejects disarmament as US-Israeli project to weaken LebanonExpress TribuneTimes of Israel"We Won’t Surrender and We’ll Defend Our Land," Hezbollah’s Sheikh QassemHezbollah leader says disarmament push serves Zionist interestsHezbollah leader rejects foreign-backed disarmament drive as tool for Israeli annexation

The Lebanese military is reportedly expected to complete the disarmament of Hezbollah south of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the Israeli border, by the end of the year. This initiative is seen as a response to U.S. pressure and fears of increased Israeli military strikes. Qassem asserts that the demand for Hezbollah's disarmament is unjustified while Israel continues its aggressive actions, stating, “To demand exclusive arms control while Israel is committing aggression... means that you are not working in Lebanon’s interest.”

Express TribuneTimes of IsraelHezbollah chief rejects disarmament as US-Israeli project to weaken LebanonHezbollah leader says disarmament push serves Zionist interests"We Won’t Surrender and We’ll Defend Our Land," Hezbollah’s Sheikh Qassem

Qassem has criticized Israel for failing to adhere to its commitments under the ceasefire agreement, which included withdrawing from occupied territories and ceasing military operations. He emphasized that Lebanon should not be expected to take further action until Israel fulfills its obligations, declaring, “No new action is expected from Lebanon unless the Israeli side first fulfills its commitments.” He also warned that the loss of southern Lebanon would jeopardize the entire country, urging national unity to defend Lebanese sovereignty.

Hezbollah chief rejects disarmament as US-Israeli project to weaken Lebanon"We Won’t Surrender and We’ll Defend Our Land," Hezbollah’s Sheikh QassemTimes of IsraelExpress TribuneHezbollah leader says disarmament push serves Zionist interests

In a recent address, Qassem stated, “Disarmament aims to end the resistance, annex part of Lebanon and to turn the rest of the country into a tool for the US and Israel.” He further criticized the Lebanese government's concessions, arguing that they have yielded no benefits while Israel continues its aggression. Qassem reaffirmed Hezbollah's commitment to resist foreign domination, stating, “Do your worst, we won’t surrender and we’ll defend our land.”

"We Won’t Surrender and We’ll Defend Our Land," Hezbollah’s Sheikh QassemHezbollah chief rejects disarmament as US-Israeli project to weaken LebanonHezbollah leader rejects foreign-backed disarmament drive as tool for Israeli annexationExpress TribuneTimes of Israel

While Hezbollah maintains that Israeli aggression has persisted despite the ceasefire, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim to have conducted numerous operations targeting Hezbollah to prevent rearmament. There is a notable discrepancy regarding the effectiveness of the Lebanese military in managing the disarmament process, with Israel questioning its capabilities while Hezbollah asserts its commitment to national defense.

Times of IsraelExpress TribuneHezbollah leader says disarmament push serves Zionist interestsHezbollah chief rejects disarmament as US-Israeli project to weaken Lebanon"We Won’t Surrender and We’ll Defend Our Land," Hezbollah’s Sheikh Qassem

• “Disarmament is an Israeli-American plan,” — Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hezbollah Secretary-General

Times of Israel

• “No new action is expected from Lebanon unless the Israeli side first fulfills its commitments,” — Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hezbollah Secretary-General

Hezbollah chief rejects disarmament as US-Israeli project to weaken Lebanon

• “Do your worst, we won’t surrender and we’ll defend our land,” — Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hezbollah Secretary-General

"We Won’t Surrender and We’ll Defend Our Land," Hezbollah’s Sheikh Qassem

The ongoing debate over Hezbollah's disarmament reflects broader tensions between Lebanon and Israel, exacerbated by U.S. involvement in the region. As Hezbollah continues to resist disarmament, the situation remains precarious, with potential implications for Lebanon's sovereignty and regional stability.

Hezbollah chief rejects disarmament as US-Israeli project to weaken LebanonExpress TribuneTimes of IsraelHezbollah leader says disarmament push serves Zionist interests"We Won’t Surrender and We’ll Defend Our Land," Hezbollah’s Sheikh Qassem