Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem strongly slammed the Lebanese government’s August 5 decision during a ceremony in Baalbek marking the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein, saying it strips Lebanon of its defensive capabilities amid ongoing hostilities and facilitates the killing of Resistance fighters and their families.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced on August 5 that the Cabinet has formally assigned the Lebanese Army to draft a comprehensive plan aimed at consolidating arms under state control by the end of 2025. The army is expected to submit the plan for Cabinet review no later than August 31.

The decision followed a tense and extended Cabinet meeting held at the presidential palace in Baabda, chaired by President Joseph Aoun. More than three hours of the session were devoted to the highly sensitive agenda item concerning the consolidation of arms under the state’s authority, a topic that continues to fuel deep political divides within the Lebanese government.

"قرار الحكومة اللبنانية بنزع سلاح المقاومة يجرّد المقاومة وشعبها ولبنان من السلاح الدفاعي اثناء العدوان ويعني تسهيل قتل المقاومين وأهلهم وطردهم من أرضهم وبيوتهم وكان أولى بالحكومة ان تبسط سيطرتها وطرد الإسرائيلي من لبنان"

الأمين العام لـ #حزب_الله الشيخ نعيم قاسم خلال إحياء… pic.twitter.com/u4rJnnUaHF

— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) August 15, 2025

Sheikh Qassem described the decision as “dangerous” and a violation of Lebanon’s social cohesion, warning that it “exposes the country to a very serious crisis.”

He accused the government of carrying out “a US-Israeli scheme to dismantle the resistance, even at the cost of plunging Lebanon into civil war and fueling internal strife.”

"This government is serving the Israeli project, knowingly or not," he declared, addressing officials directly, "If you feel helpless, let us face the enemy ourselves. We don’t need you to engage."

The Lebanese Resistance's Secretary-General Sheikh #NaimQassem delivered a speech this morning during the commemoration of Arbaeen Imam Hussein in #Baalbek. pic.twitter.com/hAe3K7z5UU

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 15, 2025

Furthermore, the Resistance leader stressed that the government’s duty “is not to surrender the country to the enemy or to unchecked American hegemony,” questioning officials, "How can you, as a government, facilitate the killing of your own citizens?"

Elsewhere in his remarks, Sheikh Qassem also referenced Israeli expansionist ambitions, "Have you heard of Netanyahu’s plan to establish a ‘Greater Israel’? What can you say about this? What are you doing about it?"

Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “Greater Israel” vision, reiterated recently, claims territorial reach into Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt, constituting an attack on the sovereignty of Arab states and a clear violation of international law.

Do not drag Lebanese army into internal strife

Sheikh Qassem reaffirmed that “the Resistance drew its legitimacy from the blood of the martyrs, not from your [Lebanese government's] approval,” urging, "Do not drag the Lebanese army into internal strife or stain its honourable record" and maintaining that "its leadership does not wish to go down this path."

In this context, he held the Lebanese government fully responsible for any internal discord and for failing in its duty to defend Lebanon’s land.

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While framed as a technical step, the army’s assignment comes at a time of heightened foreign pressure on Lebanon to address the issue of arms outside state institutions. However, for many Lebanese, particularly within the Resistance camp, any national defense strategy must acknowledge the proven effectiveness of the Resistance in deterring Israeli aggression and preserving Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Hezbollah's chief paid tribute to the Lebanese Army martyrs in Zibqin, saying, "We extend our condolences to the martyrs of the Lebanese army who fell in Zibqin; they are martyrs of duty and truth, and martyrs of the resistance, the army, and the homeland."

It is worth noting that a number of Lebanese Army soldiers were martyred and others were injured on Saturday when unexploded ordnance from a previous Israeli attack detonated on the outskirts of Majdal Zoun in South Lebanon.

Karbala-like battle to protect arms

The top Resistance figure reiterated that the Resistance “will never surrender our weapons as long as the aggression persists,” invoking the legacy of steadfast struggle exemplified in the Battle of Karbala, where Imam Hussein and his followers resisted oppression despite overwhelming odds. He vowed readiness for a Karbala-like confrontation if necessary, framing the fight as both a moral and spiritual duty, and declared absolute confidence in ultimate victory.

Recalling repeated appeals to halt the ongoing Israeli aggression on Lebanon and to end the presence of "Israel" in Lebanon, he said, "We have repeatedly said, stop the aggression and remove Israel from Lebanon, and you have our full cooperation during discussions on national and strategic security."

Sovereignty inseparable from resistance

Sheikh Qassem stressed that “the vast majority of Lebanese stand behind the Resistance and its enduring mission.”

He underscored that Lebanese sovereignty is inseparable from the Resistance, declaring, "True sovereignty exists only when it is fortified by the resistance that liberated our land."

Hezbollah's chief said the Resistance has helped the state take control in southern Lebanon, "and for the past eight months, it [the Resistance] has been under attack, yet we have remained patient."
 
Over the past eight months, southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s Dahieh suburb have endured relentless attacks, claiming civilian lives and devastating vital infrastructure. The ongoing bombardment has not only inflicted immediate loss of life but has also crippled essential services, leaving communities exposed, displaced, and pushing the social and economic fabric of these regions to the brink of collapse.

Sheikh Qassem hails 2006 victory, affirms Palestine will ultimately prevail

On the achievements of the Resistance and its role in regional struggles, Sheikh Qassem said, "Today we build our lives, our future, and our generations on the principle that every land and every era is [devoted] for victory, giving, sacrifice, and achieving great goals."

He urged unity among all Lebanese factions, warning that no single group can shoulder the nation’s future alone.

"Let us join forces to build this country; it cannot be constructed by one component in isolation. We must stand together and live with dignity, or Lebanon will not endure if you choose to stand in opposition."

"Either Lebanon endures and we stand together, or all is lost; and it will be all on you," Hezbollah's chief asserted.

Reaffirming Hezbollah’s 2006 victory, he said, "Our victory in July 2006 represented a triumph of will and resistance, marking a defeat for Israel and halting its occupation and settlement ambitions."

Sheikh Qassem also noted that the 2006 victory deterred "Israel" for 17 years. 

He expressed gratitude to Iran for its continued support, saying, "We extend our gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran, which supported us with funds, weapons, political stances, and martyrs."

Turning to the Palestinian cause, he reaffirmed its centrality, "Palestine will remain our guiding compass, and genocide will not prevent the Palestinian people from continuing their resistance."

He affirmed that Palestinian victory is certain, declaring, "Palestine will triumph thanks to all these sacrifices, for they are the rightful owners of the land, the cause, the will, the blood, and the contributions."