Qassem: Disarmament is annihilation and we cannot accept it

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem voiced hope for an agreement between Iran and the United States, expressing a desire for Lebanon to be included in its terms. He spoke on Sunday, suggesting that signs point to the completion of such a deal, which he believes would lead to a "full cessation of hostilities."

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God willing, this agreement will be finalized and there are signs of its completion, and accordingly that we too will be among those included in this agreement -- an agreement of a full cessation of hostilities.

Qassem, speaking in a televised address broadcast on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television channel, marked the anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon in 2000. He asserted that Iran, a long-time funder and weapons provider for Hezbollah, is strong and will emerge from the regional conflict with its "head high."

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Disarmament means stripping Lebanon of its defensive capability and the capability of the resistance (Hezbollah) and this people, paving the way for annihilation.

Despite facing significant losses in recent hostilities with Israel, Hezbollah remains steadfast in its refusal to disarm. Qassem argued that disarmament would strip Lebanon of its defensive capabilities and pave the way for "annihilation." He characterized a state monopoly on weapons, as demanded by Lebanese authorities, as an Israeli project aimed at destroying the resistance. "All the facts prove that we and our people face an existential threat," Qassem stated, vowing resistance. He also reiterated Hezbollah's rejection of direct negotiations with Israel, criticizing the U.S. as an untrustworthy mediator and urging Lebanese authorities to reject American influence.

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Disarmament is annihilation and we cannot accept it.