«حزب الله» يجر لبنان إلى الفوضى

Once again, "Hezbollah" is threatening to spread chaos in Lebanon, as its Secretary-General, Naeem Qassem, hinted today (Friday) at a "civil war" if the Lebanese government proceeds with its decision to restrict weapons or disarm the party, asserting that the party is ready to fight a "battle" to preserve its arms. Qassem warned that there would be no "life" in Lebanon if the government attempted to confront the party. He stated, "There is no life for Lebanon if you are going to stand on the other side, trying to confront us and eradicate us; Lebanon cannot be built without all its components."

In a televised speech, Qassem reiterated his party's stance of not surrendering its weapons as long as Israeli attacks continue and the five hills in southern Lebanon remain occupied.

He claimed that the Lebanese government would bear the responsibility if the internal situation collapses, alleging that the government is "handing" the country over to Israel by its decision to strip it of its weapons, warning that this could lead to a "civil war."

Qassem said that the role of the government is to "ensure stability and rebuild Lebanon, not to hand the country over to an insatiable Israeli aggressor," claiming that this government is executing the American-Israeli order to end the resistance, even if it leads to civil war and internal strife, according to his statement.

Despite the party's supporters taking to the streets and blocking roads, Qassem claimed that Hezbollah postponed protests against the surrender of weapons on the basis that dialogue is possible, threatening that those demonstrations could reach the American embassy.

Qassem's statements came just hours after the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, left Lebanon following his meeting with the three presidents.

The Lebanese government approved about two weeks ago the restriction of weapons to the state, assigning the army to devise a plan for the surrender of Hezbollah's arms to be presented by the end of this month, with implementation set for the end of 2025.

Hezbollah rejected this decision, asserting that it considers it "nonexistent," and emphasized that it will not relinquish its arms. Over several days, its supporters and affiliates held motorcycle rallies in various areas in protest against the government's decision and in support of the party. Meanwhile, several statements from Iranian officials regarding the necessity of not relinquishing weapons sparked various criticisms in Lebanon.