Hezbollah Declares Clear Enemies in Lebanon Amid Rising Pressure to Disarm

Hezbollah has sent a new message amid escalating calls within Lebanon to disarm the group. While Lebanese media outlets aligned with the organization portray a narrative of resistance, internal pressures to dismantle Hezbollah's weapons are intensifying. The group criticized the United States, accusing it of backing a framework agreement that legitimizes Israeli occupation and undermines Lebanese sovereignty.

Hussein al-Hajj Hassan, a Hezbollah member of the Lebanese parliament, condemned the Lebanese government's negotiation with Israel under U.S. auspices, calling it unconstitutional and ineffective in halting violence. He emphasized Hezbollah's refusal to surrender its arms, warning that any army attempting to disarm the group would be considered an occupying force. Hassan also supported Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri's statement that the framework agreement is effectively dead, with Israel having buried it.

Meanwhile, Lebanon is marking six years since the devastating Beirut port explosion, with judicial sources expecting the case to enter a public trial phase by the end of 2026. Lebanese media report that Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon are seen as attempts to pressure Lebanon ahead of upcoming negotiations. President Joseph Aoun criticized the timing of Israeli strikes, saying they send negative signals and undermine international efforts to stabilize the region.

Official Lebanese sources indicate that the negotiation delegation will prioritize halting Israeli destruction and demand that future Israeli withdrawals include villages still under Israeli control, not just previously evacuated areas. Lebanese outlets describe Beirut as caught between diplomatic efforts to implement the agreement and military escalations that threaten to derail talks before they begin.

Hezbollah-affiliated media accuse the Lebanese government of enabling Israeli occupation through the framework agreement, which allegedly expands Israeli intervention capabilities and restricts Lebanese movement. Hezbollah declared Lebanon responsible for ongoing Israeli crimes and warned the government not to obstruct southern residents from defending themselves. Although the group did not announce renewed fighting, its statement serves as a clear warning against progressing with disarmament plans.