Hezbollah deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem has firmly rejected calls for the group&rsquo;s disarmament, declaring that its weapons remain central to Lebanon&rsquo;s security and dignity.
&ldquo;The weapons that protect us, honor us, and preserve our land and dignity, we will not abandon them,&rdquo; Qassem said in a televised address on al-Manar TV. &ldquo;Those who want to strip us of these weapons want to strip us of our very soul. That will never happen.&rdquo;
Qassem dismissed the Lebanese government&rsquo;s recent stance on disarming Hezbollah, calling it &ldquo;an illegitimate decision made under American and Israeli dictates.&rdquo; He warned that weakening Hezbollah would only empower Israel and dishonor the sacrifices of fighters who defended the nation in past conflicts.
He emphasized that Lebanon&rsquo;s crises stem from &ldquo;Israeli aggression and occupation backed by the United States.&rdquo; According to him, resolving the situation requires a &ldquo;complete Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory, the release of prisoners, and reconstruction.&rdquo;
Insisting that Hezbollah&rsquo;s mission is far from over, Qassem said, &ldquo;Resistance defends, liberates, and deters the enemy.&rdquo; He credited Hezbollah&rsquo;s role, alongside the Lebanese army and people, in maintaining nearly two decades of deterrence since 2006.
Concluding his speech, Qassem urged the government to stand strong against foreign pressure, vowing that Hezbollah and its allies would support Lebanon&rsquo;s sovereignty and rebuilding efforts.

Hezbollah Refuses Disarmament, Seeks Israeli Exit

Sheikh Naim Qassem says weapons vital for Lebanon’s sovereignty and defence

Hezbollah Refuses Disarmament, Seeks Israeli Exit

Sheikh Naim Qassem says weapons vital for Lebanon’s sovereignty and defence

August 26, 2025 | 08:59 IST