Hezbollah rejects disarmament: Qassem criticizes Lebanese leadership

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem criticized the Lebanese leadership and rejected demands for the organization's disarmament, opposing negotiations with Israel. Qassem called for changing the format of contacts, returning to indirect negotiations, and criticized Lebanese President Joseph Aoun for taking the side of one party.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem issued sharp criticism of the Lebanese leadership and categorically rejected demands for the organization's disarmament. The statement came during a speech marking the second anniversary of the death of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, killed on September 27, 2024, in an Israeli strike. Thousands of the organization's supporters took part in memorial events in various areas of Lebanon, including the southern suburbs of Beirut, the Beqaa Valley, and the south of the country. Qassem stated that pressure on Lebanon is aimed at forcing the Lebanese army to accomplish a task that Israel failed to achieve militarily. He criticized the framework agreement and direct negotiations with Israel, calling seven rounds of such talks fruitless. The Hezbollah leader called on the Lebanese leadership to abandon further concessions and return to an indirect format of contacts, increasing pressure for the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Separately, Qassem criticized Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, saying he should be an arbiter and unifier, not take the side of one party. Qassem also announced plans for the organization to participate in rebuilding housing for those affected by natural disasters using its own funds and donations.