BEIRUT (AP) – On Sunday, Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem reiterated the militant group's refusal to disarm until Israel withdraws from all of southern Lebanon and ceases its airstrikes. Kassem made these statements during a video address as thousands gathered in the southern suburbs of Beirut to commemorate the Shiite holy day of Ashoura.
Ashoura marks the 680 AD Battle of Karbala, in which Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was killed after refusing to pledge allegiance to the Umayyad caliphate. For Shiites, this day symbolizes resistance against tyranny and injustice, making the commemoration particularly poignant in the political context of Lebanon.
This year's observance occurs in the aftermath of a recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that nominally concluded with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in late November. The war resulted in the deaths of over 4,000 people in Lebanon, including a significant number of Hezbollah's top leadership, such as Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah. Israeli airstrikes during the conflict severely damaged Hezbollah's military capabilities.
Since the ceasefire, Israel has maintained control over five strategic border points in southern Lebanon and has conducted nearly daily airstrikes aimed at preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding its military strength. According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, these strikes have resulted in approximately 250 additional casualties since November, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Kassem articulated his group's stance, questioning how Hezbollah could be expected to disarm while Israel continues its aggressive actions, including occupying territory and conducting airstrikes. He asserted, "We will not be part of legitimizing the occupation in Lebanon and the region. We will not accept normalization (with Israel)." Furthermore, Kassem defended the need for Hezbollah's missile arsenal by arguing that it serves as a deterrent against Israeli aggression.
His remarks come ahead of an anticipated visit from U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, who plans to discuss a potential roadmap for Hezbollah’s disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the remainder of southern Lebanon. Barrack recently highlighted a "historic moment" for Lebanon to move past its turbulent sectarian divisions, quoting U.S. President Donald Trump who stated, "Let’s make Lebanon Great again."
The tensions surrounding Hezbollah's armament and Israel's military presence continue to shape the political landscape in Lebanon. With international and domestic pressure mounting on Hezbollah to relinquish its remaining arsenal, the situation remains precarious as both sides prepare for potential negotiations. The outcome of these discussions may significantly impact the future relationship between Lebanon and Israel, as well as the stability of the region.
