What's happened
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem accused Lebanon's government of ceding control to Israel and the US by pushing for disarmament, warning of potential civil unrest. He emphasized Hezbollah's readiness to fight to keep its weapons amid ongoing tensions and external pressures, including Iran's backing and US-led disarmament efforts.
What's behind the headline?
Hezbollah's stance reveals a strategic resistance to external influence and internal disarmament efforts. The group's leadership frames the disarmament as a betrayal of Lebanese sovereignty, accusing the government of serving Israeli and American interests. This rhetoric aims to rally support among Hezbollah's base and justify potential street protests or resistance actions. The timing suggests Iran seeks to maintain its influence in Lebanon amid setbacks in its regional conflicts, including the war with Israel and strikes on its nuclear facilities. The Lebanese government faces a delicate balancing act: implementing international disarmament commitments while avoiding internal conflict. The threat of civil unrest underscores the deep divisions within Lebanon over Hezbollah's armed status, which remains a core issue of national sovereignty and regional security. Israel's ongoing airstrikes and threats to act militarily if Hezbollah rearmament continues further complicate Lebanon's internal stability. The next steps will likely involve increased tensions, with Hezbollah possibly escalating its rhetoric or actions to oppose disarmament, risking internal instability and regional escalation.
What the papers say
The articles from South China Morning Post, The New Arab, The Times of Israel, Al Jazeera, AP News, and The Independent all converge on Hezbollah's firm opposition to Lebanon's disarmament plan, framing it as a resistance against external pressures from Israel, the US, and Iran. While the sources agree on Hezbollah's threats and accusations of betrayal, they differ slightly in tone and emphasis. The South China Morning Post highlights Hezbollah's warnings of internal strife and civil war, emphasizing Iran's backing and the Lebanese government's internal disagreements. The New Arab underscores Hezbollah's accusations of Lebanon 'handing' the country to Israel and the potential for street protests. The Times of Israel focuses on Hezbollah's threats to fight to keep its weapons and the possibility of protests reaching the US embassy. Al Jazeera emphasizes Hezbollah's narrative of national unity and resistance, with Iran's officials opposing the disarmament. AP News and The Independent echo these themes but also note the broader regional context, including Israel's military actions and the impact of recent conflicts on Hezbollah's military capabilities. Overall, the coverage portrays Hezbollah as resolute and prepared to resist disarmament efforts, framing the issue as a critical point of internal and regional tension.
How we got here
Lebanon's government, under US pressure, has ordered the army to develop a plan to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has long maintained its weapons are necessary for national defense, but critics argue they are used for political leverage. The move follows recent conflicts with Israel and international efforts to weaken Hezbollah's military capabilities. Iran's support remains firm despite setbacks in its own regional conflicts, and Iran's officials have expressed opposition to Lebanon's disarmament plans.
Go deeper
Common question
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What is Hezbollah's stance on disarmament and why does it matter?
Hezbollah's refusal to disarm remains a key point of tension in the Middle East. Led by Naim Qassem, the group insists it will resist any efforts to disarm, citing regional security concerns and its role in Lebanon's political landscape. This stance raises questions about regional stability, foreign influence, and Lebanon's future. Below, we explore the reasons behind Hezbollah's resistance and what it could mean for the region.
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Why is Hezbollah refusing to disarm?
Hezbollah's stance on disarmament is a key point of regional tension. The group insists its weapons are vital for national defense and resistance against external threats, especially from Israel. This refusal to disarm has sparked fears of civil unrest and regional instability. Below, we explore the reasons behind Hezbollah's resistance, the regional implications, and what international efforts are underway to address the issue.
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What Are the Main Global Conflicts Right Now?
With tensions rising around the world, understanding the key conflicts shaping our geopolitics is more important than ever. From resistance movements to diplomatic tensions, these stories reveal the complex landscape of today's international issues. Below, we explore the most pressing conflicts and what they mean for the future.
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How Are Countries Like China, India, and Lebanon Navigating International Conflicts?
Global tensions are rising, with nations like China, India, and Lebanon taking bold steps amid regional and international disputes. From Lebanon's resistance to disarmament to India's push for self-reliance and China's diplomatic shifts, these developments shape the world stage. Curious about how these countries manage conflicts and what it means for global stability? Below, we explore key questions about international diplomacy, regional tensions, and the potential for escalation.
More on these topics
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Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
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Naim Qassem is a Shia Lebanese cleric and politician, who was the second-in-command of Hezbollah with the title of deputy secretary-general.
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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Joseph Khalil Aoun is a Lebanese Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2017.
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Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies west across the Mediterranean Sea.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Ali Ardeshir Larijani is an Iranian conservative politician, philosopher and former military officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who served as the Speaker of the Parliament of Iran from 2008 to 2020.