Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has firmly rejected the increasing calls for the disarmament of his organization, arguing that true sovereignty for Lebanon is inseparable from the cessation of Israeli aggression. During a press conference in Beirut on Monday, Qassem emphasized that the Lebanese government must first ensure that Israel adheres to a November 2024 ceasefire agreement before any discussions regarding a national defense strategy can commence.

Qassem articulated the concept of “resistance,” stating that it serves as a crucial barrier preventing Israel from realizing its expansive ambitions in the region. He dismisses proposals from both the Lebanese government and foreign entities aimed at integrating Hezbollah’s arsenal into a national defense strategy, insisting that a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, along with the release of prisoners and a halt to hostilities, must occur first.

Central to Qassem’s position is the belief that the Lebanese government, in its current state, lacks the credibility to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty. He stated emphatically that the organization would retain its weapons, which he believes honor and protect Lebanon from external threats.

Last month, the Lebanese Council of Ministers approved a resolution aimed at formulating a plan for the disarmament of Hezbollah by the end of the year. This initiative aligns with a broader U.S. strategy that promises an end to Israel’s occupation in parts of southern Lebanon conditional upon the disarmament of Hezbollah. Notably, Hezbollah’s leadership has signaled that it will disregard the governmental decree.

Qassem’s remarks coincide with Israel’s willingness to consider scaling back its military presence in southern Lebanon, contingent on the Lebanese Armed Forces’ action to disarm Hezbollah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel would support Lebanon’s attempt to develop a disarmament plan.

U.S. officials, including envoy Tom Barrack, have urged Israel to uphold its commitments under the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. Discussions between Barrack and Lebanese officials underscored the urgency for reciprocal measures between both nations to achieve peace and stability.

Despite these diplomatic endeavors, Israel continues to maintain military operations in southern Lebanon, conducting air strikes that violate the recent ceasefire and causing casualties, including among Syrian refugees. The latest incidents illustrate ongoing tensions in the region and have raised further concerns.

The United Nations Security Council is preparing to vote on the extension of the UN peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, in southern Lebanon, aiming to bolster efforts for lasting peace in the area.

These developments reinforce the complexity of the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to ensure stability and security for all involved parties.

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