Hezbollah Leader Naim Kassem Rejects Disarmament Amid Israeli Military Actions in Southern Lebanon

Hezbollah's new leader, Naim Kassem, rejected disarmament calls in a televised address on April 18, 2025, citing Israeli military presence and airstrikes in southern Lebanon. Kassem stated Hezbollah would retain its weapons until Israeli forces withdraw and cease aerial operations. His remarks follow a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and the deaths of top Hezbollah leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah, in Israeli strikes last year. Despite international pressure, Kassem emphasized Hezbollah's arms are crucial for Lebanon's defense and dismissed disarmament discussions under current conditions.

Hezbollah’s Position on Disarmament

In a speech broadcast on Hezbollah’s television station, Naim Kassem declared, “We will not allow anyone to remove Hezbollah’s weapons. These weapons gave life and freedom to our people.” He emphasized that the group’s arms are essential for Lebanon’s defense and that disarmament is not negotiable under current conditions.

Kassem dismissed ongoing international and domestic pressure for Hezbollah to disarm, stating, “We must cut this idea of disarmament from the dictionary.” He added that Hezbollah is open to dialogue on a national defense strategy, but only after Israel withdraws from Lebanese territory and halts its air operations. “Does anyone expect us to discuss a national defense strategy as warplanes fly over our heads and there is occupation in south Lebanon?” he asked. “These are not discussions. This is surrender.”

Ceasefire Terms and Violations

The statements come in the context of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024, which aimed to end 14 months of cross-border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Under the terms of the deal, Hezbollah was to withdraw its fighters and dismantle military infrastructure south of the Litani River, while Israel was expected to pull back all its forces from southern Lebanon.

However, Lebanese officials report that Israel has maintained a military presence at five positions inside Lebanese territory, which they consider a violation of the ceasefire. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry and the United Nations, Israeli airstrikes have continued almost daily, resulting in the deaths of both Hezbollah members and civilians. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that at least 71 civilians, including 14 women and nine children, have been killed since the ceasefire took effect.

Hezbollah claims that Israel has carried out over 2,700 attacks on Lebanese territory since the ceasefire began. Kassem warned that while Hezbollah has allowed room for diplomacy, “this opportunity is not open-ended.” He added that the group has “multiple response options and does not fear confrontation,” and that retaliation would come at a time of Hezbollah’s choosing.

Leadership Changes Following Israeli Strikes

Kassem’s rise to leadership follows a series of Israeli airstrikes that decimated Hezbollah’s top command. Longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah, his successor Hashem Safieddine, and other senior figures were killed in targeted Israeli operations in 2024. These strikes significantly weakened the group’s leadership structure and military capabilities.

Despite these losses, Hezbollah has maintained its political and military presence in Lebanon. The group, which holds seats in the Lebanese parliament, continues to exert significant influence over national security policy, particularly in the south.

Lebanese Government and International Pressure

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has expressed a desire to make 2025 the year of “restricting arms to the state,” signaling an intent to bring all armed groups under state control. He has called for dialogue with Hezbollah to achieve this goal. However, Kassem and other Hezbollah officials have rejected any discussion of disarmament while Israeli forces remain in Lebanon.

Wafic Safa, another senior Hezbollah official, reiterated the group’s stance, stating, “It is not a question of disarming.” He emphasized that both Hezbollah and the Lebanese army are respecting the ceasefire terms, and blamed Israel for ongoing violations.

The United States has continued to press Beirut to fulfill the ceasefire’s disarmament clause. U.S. Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus recently visited Beirut and urged the Lebanese government to assert control over all of its territory, including areas currently influenced by Hezbollah.

Recent Israeli Strikes and Casualties

On April 18, Israeli airstrikes killed two individuals in southern Lebanon. One strike targeted a vehicle on the Sidon-Ghaziyeh road, killing Muhammad Jaafar Mannah Asaad Abdallah, a Hezbollah member reportedly responsible for the group’s communication systems. Another strike near Aita al-Shaab killed a second Hezbollah member. The Israeli military described both operations as “precise strikes” against Hezbollah operatives.

These attacks mark the fourth consecutive day of Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon. An AFP journalist reported that the strike in Sidon hit a four-wheel-drive vehicle, sending a column of black smoke into the sky.

Hezbollah’s Role in the Broader Regional Conflict

Hezbollah entered the conflict with Israel shortly after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, 2023. The group launched attacks on northern Israel, stating that its actions were intended to divert Israeli military resources and ease pressure on Gaza.

The 14-month war between Hezbollah and Israel resulted in over 4,000 deaths in Lebanon and caused widespread destruction. The World Bank estimates that reconstruction will require at least $11 billion.

References

• Lebanon says two killed in Israeli strikes in south
• Hezbollah 'will not let anyone disarm' it, says chief
• Hezbollah leader threatens retaliation if Israel continues attacks on Lebanon
• Hezbollah says it won't hand over weapons while Israeli troops remain in southern Lebanon
• Hezbollah Proclaims Tenuous Cease-Fire With Israel 'Divine Victory'
• Hezbollah 'will not let anyone disarm' it, says chief
• Hezbollah says it won't hand over weapons while Israeli troops remain in southern Lebanon