Hezbollah’s Stance Amid Renewed Calls for Disarmament

In a televised address on July 6, 2025, Hezbollah’s new leader, Sheikh Naim Qassem, made a defiant statement rejecting any possibility of disarmament under Israeli threats. Speaking to thousands of supporters gathered in Beirut’s southern suburbs during the Shiite religious observance of Ashura, Qassem emphasized that the group would not surrender its weapons, asserting that Israel’s continued aggression was the root cause of instability in the region. His remarks come at a critical juncture for Lebanon, as international and domestic pressures mount to rein in the Iran-backed organization.

Background: A Fragile Ceasefire

Last year’s conflict between Hezbollah and Israel left the group significantly weakened, prompting renewed calls for its disarmament. Under a ceasefire agreement reached in November, Hezbollah was supposed to withdraw its fighters north of the Litani River, while Israel was to pull its troops from Lebanese territory. However, implementation has been fraught with challenges. According to RFI, Israel has continued military strikes in southern Lebanon, citing the need to target Hezbollah operatives, while Lebanese officials claim to be dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure in compliance with the agreement. Despite these efforts, tensions remain high, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire terms.

Qassem’s Defiant Message

During his speech, Qassem outlined a series of conditions that must be met before Hezbollah would consider disarmament. These include Israel’s complete withdrawal from occupied territories, cessation of aggression, release of prisoners captured during last year’s war, and the initiation of reconstruction efforts in Lebanon. “Only then,” Qassem stated, “will we be ready for the second stage, which is to discuss the national security and defense strategy.” His remarks were met with fervent applause from supporters, many of whom carried banners and posters of the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike last September.

Qassem also rejected any normalization of relations with Israel, a sentiment echoed by many in Lebanon, which remains technically at war with its southern neighbor. This stance aligns with Hezbollah’s broader ideological framework, which prioritizes resistance against Israel and support for Palestinian liberation. As reported by RFI, some supporters at the rally carried Palestinian and Iranian flags alongside Hezbollah banners, underscoring the group’s regional alliances.

International and Domestic Reactions

The timing of Qassem’s speech coincided with an upcoming visit by U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack, who is expected to press Lebanese authorities to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year. Lebanese leaders, who assumed office after last year’s conflict, have publicly supported the idea of a state monopoly on arms while urging Israel to adhere to the ceasefire agreement. However, achieving this balance remains a formidable challenge. As noted by RFI, the Lebanese government has faced criticism from both domestic factions and international actors for its handling of Hezbollah’s military presence in the south.

Meanwhile, the broader Shiite community in the region marked Ashura with similar displays of resilience and solidarity. In southern Lebanon, hundreds gathered in the town of Nabatiyeh, another area frequently targeted by Israeli strikes, to commemorate the religious occasion. Local residents expressed unwavering support for Hezbollah, viewing its arms as essential for the defense of Lebanon against external threats.

Looking Ahead

As Lebanon navigates this precarious situation, the question of Hezbollah’s disarmament remains a contentious issue with far-reaching implications. For many Lebanese, the group’s weapons symbolize resistance and national pride, while others see them as an obstacle to peace and stability. With international pressure mounting and internal divisions deepening, the coming months will be critical in determining the future of Hezbollah and its role in the region.

Hezbollah’s defiance underscores the complexities of resolving Lebanon’s security challenges, as historical grievances and current geopolitical dynamics continue to shape the narrative.