Daijiworld Media Network - Beirut

Beirut, Aug 26: Hezbollah’s deputy secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem has firmly rejected renewed calls for the group’s disarmament, asserting that its weapons are central to Lebanon’s sovereignty, dignity, and defense.

Speaking in a televised address, Qassem declared, “The weapons that protect us, honor us, and preserve our land and dignity — we will not abandon them. Those who want to strip us of these weapons want to strip us of our very soul. That will never happen.”

His remarks come in response to recent demands by elements within the Lebanese government urging Hezbollah to disarm. Qassem dismissed the call as “illegitimate” and claimed it was imposed under pressure from the United States and Israel. He warned that any move to dismantle Hezbollah’s arsenal would undermine Lebanon’s defense and serve the strategic interests of Israel, betraying the memory of fighters and civilians who died in past conflicts.

Blaming Lebanon’s long-standing crises on what he termed “Israeli aggression backed by the U.S.,” Qassem said that national recovery hinges on ending occupation, releasing detainees, and rebuilding war-damaged regions. “The path to resolving Lebanon’s issues starts with restoring sovereignty and halting foreign aggression,” he said.

Rejecting the narrative that Hezbollah's mission is complete, Qassem emphasized that the group continues to serve as a deterrent force. He credited the organization — alongside the Lebanese army and public — for preventing Israeli advances since the 2006 war, maintaining nearly 20 years of border stability.

He concluded by urging the Lebanese state to resist external pressure, pledging Hezbollah’s ongoing commitment to national defense and reconstruction efforts.