BEIRUT, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem said on Saturday that the group would not relinquish its weapons under any circumstances, arguing that disarmament would undermine Lebanon's strength and existence.
"Let the United States know that we will defend ourselves even if the sky closes in on the earth, and our weapons will not be taken to fulfill Israel's objectives, even if the whole world wages war on Lebanon," he said in a speech at a religious gathering broadcast live on local TV channel Al-Manar.
Qassem said the demand for exclusive state control of weapons, as currently proposed, reflects a U.S.-Israeli agenda rather than a genuine effort to strengthen Lebanon. He argued that surrendering to Israeli pressure would lead to the disappearance of Lebanon.
He reiterated that Hezbollah would not retreat from what he described as an honorable national stance, crediting the Lebanese armed group with liberating territory, deterring Israel and halting past invasions. Qassem added that weakening Hezbollah while keeping the Lebanese army lightly armed would leave the country defenseless.
Addressing the state, Qassem questioned the value of negotiations while Israeli strikes continue, urging authorities to fully implement existing agreements and discuss a national defense strategy.
He stated that deterring and preventing aggression is the responsibility of the state and the army, while the resistance's role is to support them and confront occupation when necessary. Qassem affirmed Hezbollah's readiness for full cooperation with the Lebanese army and openness to a defense strategy that harnesses Lebanon's full strength, but rejected any framework that would amount to surrender to Israel or the United States.
Under the ceasefire agreement ending the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah from October 2023 to November 2024, the Lebanese armed group was required to disarm and allow full deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces as Israeli troops withdrew. Hezbollah has yet to disarm, despite the Lebanese army having presented a plan to do so.
Meanwhile, Israel has maintained forces in southern Lebanon and regularly carries out strikes it says on Hezbollah targets. ■
