On Friday, Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, declared the party’s refusal to surrender its weapons under any circumstances, stating their readiness to engage in a “Karbala-like” battle if the government insists on this decision.

In a press statement, Qassem said, “The resistance has liberated Lebanon’s sovereign and independent choice, and one cannot speak of sovereignty without the presence of the resistance,” noting that it has been Lebanon’s strength in facing challenges and that its achievements are honorable.

He added that the government accepted the ceasefire agreement and the resistance helped it adhere to its terms. Despite eight months of patience, the resistance and its environment remain targeted, as they believed this phase required endurance. He explained that “the government’s decision to disarm the resistance strips it, its people, and Lebanon of defensive weapons during aggression, paving the way for the killing of resistance fighters and the displacement of their families from their land and homes.”

Qassem accused the government of serving the Israeli project, affirming that the resistance has repeatedly called for an end to aggression and the expulsion of Israel from Lebanon and that it provided all necessary facilitation during discussions of the national defense strategy and security policy.

He described the government’s decision as a betrayal, claiming it facilitates the killing of national partners while the government seeks to protect its own interests at the expense of theirs. He added that the government’s duty is to build the country, not hand it over to the Israeli and American enemies, and that sovereignty and exclusive control of weapons should not ignore the presence of Israeli occupation and its threats.

Qassem continued, saying that “some Arab countries support Israel in striking the resistance and its fighters,” and that the government’s decision violates the national charter and undermines national security. He warned against involving the army in this path, especially since the national army’s record is clean. He argued that stripping the government of legitimacy through this decision contradicts the Taif Agreement and the ministerial statement, while the resistance derives its legitimacy from blood and liberation.

He noted that Hezbollah and the Amal Movement have decided to postpone taking to the streets to allow room for dialogue and amendments, stressing that the resistance will not surrender its weapons as long as aggression continues and occupation persists, and that it is prepared to fight a Karbala-like battle if necessary.

He held the Lebanese government fully responsible for any internal strife, explosion, or destruction in Lebanon and for abandoning its duty to defend the land and its citizens. He emphasized the need for all Lebanese to live together in building the country with dignity and equality.