Beirut on Edge: Hezbollah’s Plan to Destabilize Lebanon
Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem has threatened civil unrest if Lebanon’s government pushes to disarm the group, escalating tensions ahead of a planned protest in Beirut.
On August 25, 2025, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem delivered a fiery speech, escalating tensions by warning of civil war if Lebanon’s government persists in its U.S.-backed plan to disarm the group by year’s end. Speaking ahead of a planned protest by Hezbollah and its Shia ally Amal on August 27 at Beirut’s Riad al-Solh Square, near the parliament, Qassem called the disarmament decision an “American dictate” and urged its reversal, stating, “The resistance will not surrender its weapons while aggression continues and occupation persists.”
He described the group’s arsenal as “our spirit, our honour, and the future of our children.” Hezbollah’s propaganda has labeled President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam as “Yazid,” a reviled figure in Shia history, signaling deep hostility. Social media posts from Hezbollah supporters even called for violence at the upcoming protest, raising fears of clashes, especially as security around Aoun and Salam has been tightened due to assassination concerns, recalling the 2005 killing of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri, attributed to Hezbollah.
Qassem argued that Lebanon’s sovereignty hinges on Israel withdrawing from five occupied southern outposts, halting attacks, and releasing prisoners, saying, “If you truly want sovereignty, then stop the aggression.” He proposed that only after these conditions are met would Hezbollah discuss a “national defense strategy.” Iran’s support bolsters Qassem’s stance, with Quds Force deputy Iraj Masjedi calling the disarmament plan an “unacceptable American-Zionist scheme.” However, reformist voices in Iran urge non-interference, suggesting Hezbollah integrate into Lebanon’s army to avoid destabilizing the country further.
Lebanon’s weak military, still recovering from the 2023-2024 conflict that killed thousands and displaced tens of thousands, lacks the capacity to enforce disarmament, per regional analysts. Israel’s proposal to turn southern border villages into a demilitarized economic zone, coupled with phased withdrawals and prisoner releases, could enable northern Israeli residents’ return but risks preserving Hezbollah’s influence among Lebanon’s Shia, who form its core support. With over 55% of Lebanese opposing Hezbollah’s armed presence, per a 2024 survey, Israel and the U.S. must counter Hezbollah’s social networks to weaken its grip, or risk prolonged instability.