Qassem to government: 'Give up' plan on weapons monopoly

Hezbollah reached a new level in its tone towards the government. In a speech broadcast live on Monday, the party’s secretary-general, Naim Qassem, called on the government to "give up the weapons monopoly," urging it to "put an end to any initiative" bearing that title. "What the government is doing is a grave mistake and serves the greed of the enemy" regarding Lebanon, he accused, adding that he rejects "free concessions" and "any U.S. or Arab tutelage."

Qassem spoke at a ceremony honoring the party’s "martyred commanders" Abbas Moussawi, Ragheb Harb, and Imad Moghniyeh, at the very moment when the Cabinet was beginning its session during which the army commander was to present his vision for the second phase of the weapons monopoly plan.

This phase concerns the region located between the Litani and Awali rivers. Hezbollah believes the November 2024 cease-fire agreement calls for its disarmament only south of the Litani, and argues that the rest of the territory should be the subject of internal dialogue. This interpretation is refuted by Israel, which threatens to use force again if the party-militia is not disarmed. The Lebanese government, for its part, wants to recapture the weapons monopoly over the entire territory, arguing that this is first and foremost a Lebanese demand.

Qassem asserted that "any occupation demands resistance to expel it, and that the responsibility for this resistance lies with the state, the army and the people," as the Israeli army continues to occupy several positions in southern Lebanon.

"All are responsible for resisting the occupation in order to free the land," he insisted. However, he emphasized that "the Lebanese state is responsible for confronting Israel and ensuring the implementation of the cease-fire agreement, but by focusing on the disarmament issue, it is committing a serious mistake." "We are not for free concessions, we are not for fulfilling the dictates of U.S.-Arab tutelage, and we are not for satisfying Israel’s aggressive demands," he said, arguing that "the government’s performance is, to some extent, responsible for the enemy’s eagerness to continue its actions due to the concessions and submission to pressure."

At the same time, Qassem displayed his commitment to "national unity, full sovereignty, liberation and strengthening the Lebanese Army" and his opposition to "discord." He went on to suggest that the government "meet regularly to discuss a plan and timeline to achieve sovereignty" in the country.

'We have shown patience so far...'

As he has done several times before, the Hezbollah leader stated that his movement "does not [want] war [with Israel]," but it will not "give in" and is "ready to defend itself." "We can hurt them," Qassem insisted, calling for "not underestimating the defense when the time comes." This rare allusion to a new round of violence against Israel is part of the verbal escalation led by Hezbollah officials in recent days.

"We have shown patience so far for two reasons: first, because the state is responsible and must fulfill its duties; second, out of concern for our nation and our society during this sensitive phase. But the current situation cannot last. As for the timing, the manner and the changes that will alter the reality, let the facts tell the story," he said, adding that, "The enemy can indeed take the upper hand during a military round, but it cannot take over the country. It could eventually occupy another part of Lebanon, but it will not be able to hold it."

The Hezbollah leader finally paid tribute to his predecessors killed by Israel, stressing that "when leaders fell as martyrs, other leaders took their place, then in turn fell, and others succeeded them: there is always someone to take up the torch."

Kassem hausse le ton contre le gouvernement : « Renoncez » au monopole des armes !