Hezbollah Official Open to Dialogue on Arms, Defends Lebanon's Sovereignty

Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem stated on Sunday that the party is ready for internal dialogue regarding the exclusivity of weapons, but stressed that the priority must be the full liberation of southern territories and the secure return of residents. He also expressed skepticism about disarmament calls, rejecting any attempts to use the Lebanese army as a tool to impose such a policy, emphasizing the army's national role and the need for internal consensus.

Qassem affirmed that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has the right to negotiate, provided it aligns with the constitution, the Taif Agreement, the presidential oath, and the ministerial statement, and does not compromise Lebanon's rights or sovereignty. He urged the Lebanese authority to freeze direct negotiations with Israel in favor of indirect talks, while strongly defending national sovereignty, noting that seven rounds of direct talks yielded no tangible benefits for Lebanon.

He criticized the Lebanese authority for what he described as conceding all leverage through an "framework agreement" and immediately accepting Israeli and American demands instead of confronting them. Qassem warned that relying on American patronage holds the authority responsible for the ongoing security deterioration and attacks, deeming political mediocrity and betting on retaining parts of Lebanon while abandoning others as a futile gamble.

On the military front, Qassem claimed that Hezbollah's operations have successfully halted an "aggression project" and prevented Israeli forces from achieving their objectives of "breaking the resistance" or establishing settlements in the south. He highlighted the prolonged resistance in border towns like Bint Jbeil, Khiam, and Aita al-Shaab as having prevented the Israeli army from stabilizing and forced its withdrawal. He asserted that the confrontation strategy aims to prevent attacking forces from establishing a foothold, adding that specific operational details remain classified for strategic reasons.

Qassem argued that the core issue is the ongoing aggression, which necessitated the emergence of the "resistance." He warned that surrender would mean the end of coexistence and Lebanon's future, succumbing to settlement projects. He stated that any potential Israeli withdrawal would be a result of military pressure and the memorandum of understanding that de-escalated tensions, not the negotiation process. He maintained that the resistance's military strength has countered exceptional, US-backed Israeli capabilities, and continued confrontation prevents any concession of Lebanese territory.

Addressing international developments, Qassem criticized American hegemony for undermining justice and international law, viewing Israel's international isolation as a factor in its long-term downfall. He reiterated his rejection of concessions demanded under the pretext of the ongoing conflict.