Story perspectives

Rubio Condemns Hezbollah Speech, Calls for US-Backed Lebanese Government

5/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hezbollah official Naim Qassem delivered an address on Resistance and Liberation Day, marking the May 25, 2000 Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the speech and its threats to overthrow Lebanon’s democratically elected government.
Rubio said Hezbollah ignored Lebanese government calls, fired on Israeli positions and moved fighters and weapons into southern Lebanon.
Rubio said the Lebanese government is restoring the country with full U.S. backing.

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Story summary

Hezbollah official Naim Qassem delivered an address on Resistance and Liberation Day, marking the May 25, 2000 Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the speech and its threats to overthrow Lebanon’s democratically elected government.
Rubio said Hezbollah ignored Lebanese government calls, fired on Israeli positions and moved fighters and weapons into southern Lebanon.
Rubio said the Lebanese government is restoring the country with full U.S. backing.