Beirut: Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has firmly stated that his party is unwilling to hand over its weapons, citing an “existential threat” facing Lebanon. Qassem’s assertions come in the wake of a request from Washington, conveyed through its special envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack. Barrack, who is scheduled to visit Lebanon next week, has requested an official commitment from the Lebanese state for the complete disarmament of Hezbollah. This request follows a devastating conflict with Israel, during which Hezbollah suffered significant losses in both military resources and leadership.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Barrack has expressed satisfaction with the Lebanese response, which remains undisclosed to the public. Concurrently, President Joseph Aoun has reiterated Beirut’s intent to “restrict weapons” to the state, emphasizing a need for a calm and responsible approach to the situation. In response to the American proposal, Qassem clarified during a memorial service for one of Hezbollah’s leaders that disarmament at this stage would only benefit Israel.

Qassem emphasized Lebanon’s and the resistance’s confrontation with an existential threat, characterizing it as the greatest danger to Lebanon. He stressed that the solution lies in the continued strength of the resistance, collaboration between the state and the resistance, and cooperation among all Lebanese parties. He urged international bodies, including the United States, France, and the United Nations, to pressure Israel to comply with agreements and withdraw from Lebanon.

He further stated, “We have no surrender. We have no surrender to Israel. Israel will not receive weapons from us.” Qassem affirmed Hezbollah’s readiness for actions that enhance Lebanese unity and capabilities but rejected any concessions for Israel and America under threat.

The region has witnessed a ceasefire since November, following a prolonged conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that escalated in September. Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues airstrikes in various Lebanese areas, asserting they target Hezbollah members or sites. Israel maintains that it will persist in efforts to “eliminate any threat” and prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military strength after the war, which left significant damage to Hezbollah’s military and leadership infrastructure.