Hezbollah Rejects Disarmament Calls on Resistance Day Amid Southern Lebanon Conflict

On Sunday, the day marking Israel’s 2000 withdrawal from southern Lebanon, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem delivered a televised speech rejecting any demand for Hezbollah to disarm. He warned that disarmament would strip Lebanon of its defensive capability and amount to extermination, and urged the Lebanese government to abandon direct talks with Israel and the United States.

The Jerusalem PostHezbollah chief says clashes in South Lebanon is beginning of ‘Israel’s fall’Iran to Emerge Victorious in Imposed War: HezbollahHezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naeem Qassem States Organization Will Retain WeaponsHezbollah Will Keep its Weapons: QassemHezbollah chief says disarmament would amount to Lebanon’s ‘annihilation’

Resistance Day commemorates the 2000 Israeli pull-out, which Hezbollah calls a liberation without a peace deal. A 2024 ceasefire collapsed after renewed clashes on 2 March 2024, reviving hostilities. Since then Hezbollah has stepped up loitering-drone attacks, while Israel has imposed a “Yellow Line” buffer zone deep inside southern Lebanon, demolishing villages and limiting civilian movement.

The Jerusalem Post

The Lebanese health ministry reports 3,151 deaths and 9,571 injuries since 2 March 2024. Independent reporting cites “more than 3,000” deaths, over 20 villages partially or fully destroyed, and roughly 1.3 million people displaced. Hezbollah claims at least six successful drone strikes on Israeli armored or artillery positions.

Hezbollah chief says disarmament would amount to Lebanon’s ‘annihilation’

Hezbollah’s narrative, from Qassem’s address, frames disarmament as existential annihilation and portrays Iran as the sole power opposing “the world’s tyrannical and great power.” Hezbollah says its drones will keep tracking Israeli forces until Lebanon regains full sovereignty. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Hezbollah for “ignoring repeated calls from the legitimate Government of Lebanon to cease its attacks” and for “actively trying to drag Lebanon back into chaos and destruction.” Israeli sources reported serious injuries to senior officers, including Colonel Meir Biderman of the 401st Armored Brigade, from Hezbollah drone strikes.

The Jerusalem PostIran to Emerge Victorious in Imposed War: HezbollahHezbollah chief says disarmament would amount to Lebanon’s ‘annihilation’Hezbollah Will Keep its Weapons: QassemHezbollah chief says clashes in South Lebanon is beginning of ‘Israel’s fall’Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naeem Qassem States Organization Will Retain WeaponsHezbollah drones wreak havoc on IOF in southern Lebanon

Rubio’s statement represents the primary U.S. criticism, arguing that Hezbollah’s armed stance undermines Lebanon’s legitimate government and fuels regional instability. Israeli officials have labeled Hezbollah’s loitering-drone attacks as a growing operational threat that forces the IDF to limit movements near the Litani River.

The Jerusalem Post

Eighty-year-old Fatima Ftouni, displaced from al-Duhayra after Israeli demolition, now lives in a cramped Beirut suburb. She describes constant military noise, loss of her family home, and the broader humanitarian strain on southern residents.

On Liberation Day, South Lebanon marks the return of the occupation it once defeated

Casualty numbers differ: the Lebanese health ministry cites 3,151 deaths, while independent sources report “more than 3,000.” Precise counts of destroyed villages and displaced persons lack independent verification, leaving gaps in the humanitarian picture.

On Liberation Day, South Lebanon marks the return of the occupation it once defeated

• “Disarmament is extermination, and this is something we cannot accept,” — Sheikh Naim Qassem

The Jerusalem Post

• “Iran alone stands against the world's tyrannical and great power,” — Sheikh Naim Qassem

Iran to Emerge Victorious in Imposed War: Hezbollah

• “Disarming Hezbollah will lead to new Israeli genocide in Lebanon,” — Sheikh Naim Qassem

Hezbollah Will Keep its Weapons: Qassem

• “Hezbollah has ignored repeated calls from the legitimate Government of Lebanon to cease its attacks and respect a ceasefire," Rubio stated.” — Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State

The Jerusalem Post

Qassem warned that any demand for Hezbollah’s disarmament would invite genocide, pledging that drones will keep striking Israeli forces until Lebanon secures full sovereignty and the complete Israeli withdrawal is achieved.

The Jerusalem PostHezbollah chief says clashes in South Lebanon is beginning of ‘Israel’s fall’Iran to Emerge Victorious in Imposed War: HezbollahHezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naeem Qassem States Organization Will Retain WeaponsHezbollah chief says disarmament would amount to Lebanon’s ‘annihilation’Hezbollah Will Keep its Weapons: Qassem