Why it matters:
Sheikh Qassem’s speech refers to an American scheme that aims to disarm resistance in Lebanon. He reaffirmed its alignment with resistance forces and defiance of Western influence.
The big picture:
Sheikh Qassem was speaking at a memorial ceremony for a martyr who was a key figure in Iran’s Quds Force: Major General Mohammad Saeed Izadi, known as “Haj Ramezan.”
Revered for his lifelong dedication to Palestine, Haj Ramezan was martyred in the recent Israeli aggression.
Sheikh Qassem denounced recent U.S. proposals, particularly one delivered by American envoy Tom Barrack.
According to him, the U.S. demanded Hezbollah hand over all weapons — even rudimentary ones like hand grenades — within 30 days and reduce its capabilities by 50%.
He dismissed these demands as “entirely in favor of Israel,” arguing they aim to dismantle both Hezbollah and Lebanon’s national strength.
What he’s saying:
Sheikh Naim Qassem:
“No one can strip Lebanon of its strength or deny it its dignity. We remain in resistance, and we will pass through this phase with our heads held high.”
“The government should support its people and their resistance, not disarm them to please Israel, America, or certain Arab states. It should channel this strength to preserve sovereignty and defend against aggression.”
“We reject any new agreement. They must implement the existing one. We won’t accept any timeline framed by ongoing Israeli aggression.”
“If Israel chooses a wider war, resistance will defend, the army will defend, the people will defend—and missiles will land inside the regime. All the security they’ve built over the past eight months will collapse in an hour.”
“Handing over our weapons won’t stop aggression. Even Israeli officials have made that clear.”
Go deeper:
Hezbollah’s Qassem Rejects Normalization, Vows Readiness for War or Peace
Mojtaba Darabi - ahmad shirzadian
