Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem threatened Israel in a Tuesday speech.
"Israeli attacks cannot continue; everything has a limit. We will not give up our weapons," he said.
Qassem expressed that the recent arrangement, which includes the deployment of the Lebanese army south of the Litani River, is seen as a victory by Hezbollah, framing it as a positive step in the protection and strengthening of Lebanon's national interests.
According to Qassem, the deployment of the Lebanese army south of the Litani River is a critical component of the agreement, one which Hezbollah views as an "acceptable price" for ensuring the defense of the country.
He stressed that this development reflects a win for Lebanon, given that the army's presence in this sensitive region, alongside Hezbollah, symbolizes a unified stance in defending Lebanese sovereignty.
“We are winners with the Lebanese army’s presence south of the Litani because they are our sons,” Qassem declared, underscoring the collaborative nature of Hezbollah’s relationship with Lebanon’s military. The leader highlighted that this agreement is a step toward fulfilling the state's role in securing the country's borders and protecting its citizens from external threats.
Opposition to foreign interference
While praising the November agreement, Qassem fiercely criticized external actors, particularly the United States and Israel, for their interference in Lebanon’s affairs. He accused the US and Israel of attempting to dictate Lebanon's political, economic, and military trajectory, seeking to undermine the country’s resistance role in the region.
"America and Israel are interfering in Lebanon’s future, dictating its army, economy, politics, and strategic position," Qassem said, stressing that these powers aim to dismantle Lebanon's resistance and expose it to external aggression. Hezbollah's position remains firm in opposing foreign efforts to shape Lebanon's political and military landscape.
Qassem also addressed the Lebanese government, questioning its approach to national sovereignty. While acknowledging the year-long series of Israeli attacks and violations, he challenged the government for not presenting a clear plan to restore sovereignty to Lebanon’s borders. Hezbollah’s leader expressed concern that the government has not set a firm timetable to address these breaches, a situation that remains a critical issue for national security.
“A full year has passed, marked by hundreds of Israeli attacks, violations, and incursions,” Qassem pointed out. “Why doesn’t the government include a plan to restore sovereignty on its agenda and set a timetable for its implementation?”
As Lebanon navigates a volatile political and security landscape, Qassem’s statements reflect the ongoing tension surrounding the country's future direction. While Hezbollah claims victories in ensuring Lebanon's defense capabilities, the international community continues to closely monitor developments, especially regarding the ongoing influence of foreign powers in Lebanon's internal matters.