Beirut: Hezbollah's Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem asserts that calls to disarm the resistance form part of a US-Israeli agenda, arguing these demands favor Israel over Lebanon amid ongoing Israeli attacks.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Qassem, in a speech on Sunday, claimed that proposals for 'exclusive state control of weapons' effectively represent a US-Israeli plan to diminish Lebanon's military strength, undermine a significant portion of Lebanese society, and create discord between Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement.

Qassem argued that this initiative is designed to incite internal conflict, solidify Israeli occupation at five border points, and enable continued unaccountable killings. He compared Lebanon to Syria, suggesting Lebanon's state institutions have thrived due to the resistance's support, unlike Syria's government, which he believes has faltered without such backing.

Referring to a ceasefire agreement reached over a year ago, Qassem stated that Lebanon, through its government and army, has honored its commitments and made concessions, while Israel has not fulfilled its obligations and continues its military and security incursions. He criticized certain political factions for ignoring Israel's responsibilities while using the agreement to pressure Hezbollah and Lebanon further.

Qassem emphasized that no new actions should be anticipated from Lebanon unless Israel first meets its commitments, declaring the era of one-sided demands on Lebanon as concluded. He stressed that Lebanon faces a critical choice between accepting complete US-Israeli control or pursuing national mobilization to reclaim sovereignty, territory, and state authority.

The Hezbollah chief outlined that a complete cessation of Israeli attacks, total withdrawal of Israeli forces, release of detainees, and the initiation of reconstruction in southern Lebanon are essential before any political or security talks can proceed. He cautioned that the loss of southern Lebanon would endanger the entire country, asserting that all Lebanese share the responsibility to defend the region.