26.08.2025 08:20
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem stated that Israel must be removed from Lebanese territory and various conditions must be met for the surrender of weapons. Qassem said they will not abandon the weapons that protect them from Israel.
The Secretary General of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, emphasized that they will not give up the weapons that protect them from Israel, stating that they condition the delivery of arms on "the removal of Israel from Lebanese territory, the cessation of attacks, the release of prisoners, and the commencement of reconstruction."
HEZBOLLAH LEADER: ISRAEL MUST WITHDRAW FROM LEBANON FOR US TO LAY DOWN OUR ARMS
In a television speech, Hezbollah leader Qassem made a statement regarding the collection of arms by the state and the disarmament of Hezbollah. Qassem conditioned the delivery of arms on "the removal of Israel from Lebanese territory, the cessation of attacks, the release of prisoners, and the commencement of reconstruction."
"WE WILL NOT GIVE UP OUR WEAPONS THAT PROTECT US FROM ISRAEL"
The Hezbollah leader stated, "We will never give up our weapons that elevate us and protect us from Israel," claiming that Hezbollah supports the Lebanese army. Qassem said that the army is primarily responsible for defending the country and expressed that the Lebanese army should be tasked with arming and the responsibility of removing Israel from Lebanon. Qassem stated that Hezbollah does not prevent Israeli attacks; rather, it is a reaction against them.
"THE GAME THE US IS PLAYING WITH LEBANON IS DANGEROUS"
Qassem, stating that "Israel cannot remain in Lebanon and cannot realize its expansion project through Lebanon," claimed that the government's decision to take control of the arms is unconstitutional. He argued that the US wants to prevent the weapons that protect Lebanon, stating that "the game the US administration is playing with Lebanon is not trustworthy and poses a danger to the country."
Although the Israeli army has partially withdrawn from southern Lebanon, it continues to occupy five strategic hills it captured in the recent conflicts.
A written statement had been made by the Israeli Prime Minister's Press Office regarding the Lebanese government's decision to take control of all armed presence in the country, including Hezbollah, and to collect the weapons in the hands of groups.
In the statement, it was noted that Tel Aviv is ready to support Beirut in efforts to disarm Hezbollah, and if the Lebanese army takes the necessary steps for Hezbollah's disarmament, "Israel will take some steps, including gradually reducing its military presence in the areas it occupies in Lebanon."