Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem warned Lebanon's government against disarming the group, threatening civil war and emphasizing their resistance, while Lebanese officials condemned his comments and moved to disarm Hezbollah, highlighting tensions over weapons control and sovereignty.
Naim Qassem, the new leader of Hezbollah, delivered a defiant speech amid ongoing Israeli attacks, asserting the group's military capabilities despite recent leadership losses. Qassem's subdued style contrasts with his predecessor Hassan Nasrallah, raising doubts about his leadership effectiveness. The U.S. and Israel hope for a ceasefire deal with Lebanon, but Hezbollah's commitment to fighting as long as Israel's conflict with Hamas continues complicates negotiations. The group's history of violating agreements further challenges potential resolutions.