Beirut: The Secretary-General of the Lebanese Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, has stated that calls for disarmament in Lebanon are part of an Israeli-American project to create internal discord, asserting that Lebanon currently finds itself in a precarious situation.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Qassem emphasized that demanding a monopoly on weapons in Lebanon, while Israel continues its aggression, aligns with Israeli interests. He asserted that the nation faces a historical decision point, where it must choose between yielding control to external powers or asserting its sovereignty. Qassem credited the presence of the resistance for the state’s successes in Lebanon.

He elaborated that Lebanon’s current instability is fueled by the actions of Israel and America. Despite a ceasefire agreement, Israeli ambitions in Lebanon persist, and Qassem criticized the Lebanese government for making concessions to Israel without reciprocation.

Qassem highlighted the role of Hezbollah, alongside the Lebanese army and civilians, in liberating Lebanon from Israeli occupation. He claimed that Hezbollah has contributed to state-building by adhering to laws and serving the people.

He argued that disarmament initiatives are designed to weaken Lebanon’s military capabilities and a significant portion of its population, under the guise of monopolizing weapons. Qassem believes these efforts are intended to sow discord and maintain occupation.

He urged postponing disarmament demands, deeming them illogical given ongoing Israeli aggression. He suggested that such demands are part of a broader project to incite conflict between the resistance and the populace, thereby perpetuating occupation and unchecked aggression.