Hezbollah to Keep Weapons for Defense Against Israeli Aggression, Leader Says
Quick Look
- Hezbollah will retain weapons to defend Lebanon against Israeli aggression, stated Secretary-General Naim Qassem.
- He criticized Israel's actions, urged withdrawal and prisoner release, and called on the Lebanese government to reject disarmament and preserve sovereignty.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Hezbollah, a Shiite group, is making statements regarding its defense capabilities and the ongoing conflict with Israel. The Lebanese government had previously made a decision to outlaw Hezbollah.
BEIRUT, May 24. /TASS/. Hezbollah will retain the weapons it needs to defend Lebanon and its people against the Israeli aggression, the Shiite group’s secretary-general, Naim Qassem, said.
"The Islamic resistance’s drones are pursuing the occupying forces everywhere; Israel is suffering casualties and, in response, is killing civilians and destroying residential buildings," he said in an address to his supporters that was aired by the Al Mayadeen television channel. "What is now happening in southern Lebanon signals the beginning of the decline of Israel’s might."
He called on Israel to stop its aggression, withdraw its troops, and release prisoners. Apart from that, he urged the Lebanese government to revoke its March 2 decision outlawing Hezbollah.
"The disarmament of resistance forces is an Israeli project. You must reject it, halt direct talks with Israel, and return to the national consensus," he stressed, adding that if the Lebanese government "is unable to ensure Lebanon’s sovereignty, it must resign."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Hezbollah will continue to possess weapons for defense.
Very likely · Medium term
Direct talks between Lebanon and Israel will halt.
Likely · Short term
The Lebanese government may face pressure to resign if unable to ensure sovereignty.
Possible · Medium term
Open Questions
- What specific actions will Hezbollah take if Israel continues its aggression?
- What is the Lebanese government's response to Hezbollah's demands regarding sovereignty and disarmament?
- What are the current casualty figures for both sides mentioned by Qassem?
- What is the status of the prisoners mentioned by Qassem?
