Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem Warns Disarmament Could Trigger Civil War in Lebanon

In a fiery address delivered in Baalbek on August 15, 2025, Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem vowed that the group would not surrender its weapons, warning that any attempt to disarm it could ignite internal conflict in Lebanon. Qassem declared, “We will not hand over our weapons as long as the occupation exists and aggression continues,” framing Hezbollah’s armed resistance as a defense against an “American-Israeli project.” He invoked a “Karbala-like battle,” referencing a pivotal 7th-century Shiite event, and placed “full responsibility on the Lebanese government for any strife that may occur” if disarmament is enforced.

Qassem accused the government of failing to protect Lebanon, urging, “Defend Lebanon, and let us build the country together, because it cannot be built by one component alone. This is our country, and we build its sovereignty together; otherwise, there will be no life for Lebanon if you stand on the other side. Either Lebanon remains and we remain together, or to the world, farewell.” He criticized disarmament efforts as stripping “Lebanon, the resistance, and its people of defensive arms during aggression,” claiming it serves Israel’s interests. Qassem questioned, “Were you pleased that Netanyahu praised you? Notice the joy and Israeli statements!” He dismissed claims of external pressure, likening disarmament to “choosing to kill one’s own children for money,” and urged the government to “step aside” if it cannot confront Israel, saying, “Do not be afraid, and do not live under intimidation. You are protecting yourselves, not the country.”

Qassem praised the Lebanese army for avoiding internal conflict and noted that Hezbollah and its ally Amal have held back from street protests to allow dialogue, but warned, “If confrontation is forced, we are ready. Then protests may head to the streets, to the American embassy, or elsewhere.” He asserted Hezbollah’s legitimacy stems from the Taif Agreement, Lebanon’s constitution, and its fighters’ sacrifices, citing victories like ending Israel’s occupation in 2000 and defeating ISIS in 2017 alongside the army. Qassem described the 2006 war as “a great victory” that established 17 years of deterrence against Israel, crediting Hassan Nasrallah’s leadership and Iran’s support, particularly from the late Qassem Soleimani. He reaffirmed solidarity with Palestinians, stating, “Palestine will remain the compass. All that Israel does, and all that America supports, will not deter the Palestinian people from resistance.”

The speech comes amid heightened regional tensions following the June 2025 Iran-Israel air war and ongoing Gaza conflict, with Hezbollah facing pressure to disarm under international resolutions like UN Security Council Resolution 1701.