Hezbollah chief warns disarmament plan could trigger civil war

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem warned that a Lebanese government plan to disarm his Iranian Allied movement could trigger a new civil war in the country.

Earlier this month, the government instructed the army to write the plan by August 31 and approved the “objectives” described in an American proposal concerning the disarmament of Hezbollah.

On Friday, Qasim was unleashed in the government, holding her responsible for potential disorders in the country which had a 15 -year civil war from 1975.

“This government is implementing an American-Israeli order at the end of the resistance, even if it leads to a civil war and an internal sedition,” he said in a television address.

“The government has made a very dangerous decision violating the charter of coexistence and [the government] Exposes the country to a great crisis. “”

Qasim promised that his Shiite Muslim group would not put his arms back while Israel continues to attack against Lebanon.

The question of Hezbollah’s arms has long been a flash point in Lebanese politics.

Supporters consider that the group’s arsenal is essential to the defense against Israel, while opponents argue that this undermines state sovereignty and the risks leading to Lebanon in conflicts.

Friday, Qasim said that Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal movement, had agreed to delay the street demonstrations, which could reach the United States Embassy, against the disarmament plan to allow discussion with the government

“There would be no life for Lebanon if you stand on the other side,” he said.

In response, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam rejected what he described as the veiled threat of Qasim of the Civil War.

“Person in Lebanon, today, the civil war. Threats and brandishing them are completely rejected,” he said on the social media platform X.

Salam defended the decisions of his government, saying that they are purely Lebanese without foreign diktats.

“There is no party in Lebanon authorized to transport weapons outside the control of the Lebanese state,” he added.

Israel and Hezbollah exchanged heavy fire after the Gaza War eruption in October 2023. Last year, Israel invaded southern Lebanon and sparked deadly air strikes against the Hezbollah bastion in Beirut. In September, he killed the head of Hezbollah for a long time Hassan Nasrallah while he met other officials of Hezbollah underground.

While the militia has militarily emerged in fighting, Hezbollah would always exercise significant support from Shiites in multi-confessional Lebanon.

A ceasefire has been in place between Israel and Hezbollah since the end of November, but the two parties have since accused of violations.

Israel attacks its neighbor almost daily, saying that strikes target Hezbollah agents and facilities.