Naim Qassem: No further concessions before Israeli compliance; disarmament is “Israeli demand”

BEIRUT, Dec. 28 (YPA) – Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem affirmed on Sunday that the resistance will not succumb to pressure or offer further concessions until “Israel” fully commits to implementing existing agreements and ceases its aerial, land, and sea violations.

In a speech marking the anniversary of the passing of military commander Mohammad Yaghi, Qassem emphasized that the top priorities remain halting the aggression, ensuring a full Israeli withdrawal, and rebuilding Southern Lebanon.

He noted that the Lebanese side has offered “unilateral concessions” over the past year without reciprocal commitment from “Israel.” He further warned that the fall of the South would signify the fall of Lebanon as a whole, calling on all Lebanese to participate in its defense.

Regarding the issue of Hezbollah’s arsenal, Qassem characterized calls for disarmament as an “American-Israeli project” aimed at weakening Lebanon and inciting internal strife. He maintained that such discussions should be deferred until Israeli violations have ceased, arguing that raising the issue now serves Israeli interests.

Additionally, he criticized attempts to push the Lebanese army into a “repressive role,” while praising the ongoing cooperation between the army and the resistance.

Qassem concluded by stating that Lebanon stands at a historical crossroads between submitting to foreign guardianship or reclaiming its sovereignty, asserting that Hezbollah remains a primary partner in nation-building and border protection.

YPA