Hezbollah’s Naeem Qassem Lays Out Defiant Defense Strategy and Rejects Disarmament
Executive Summary
In a sweeping address delivered on April 18, 2025, Sheikh Naeem Qassem, Secretary-General of Hezbollah, reaffirmed the group’s ideological, religious, and national commitment to armed resistance against Israel, rejected any discussion of disarmament, and outlined the organization’s position on Lebanon’s defense strategy. Qassem claimed Hezbollah would never relinquish its weapons, emphasized that the resistance’s legitimacy is rooted in both divine duty and national defense, and warned against any attempts—domestic or foreign—to force Lebanon into submission. He also rejected American influence in Lebanese affairs, called on the state to fulfill its reconstruction duties, and denounced Israeli violations of ceasefire agreements.
Analysis
Qassem’s speech opens with interfaith greetings for Christian communities before transitioning into Hezbollah’s core position: resistance as both a religious imperative and a national duty against Israeli occupation. He justifies Hezbollah’s continued militarization by asserting Lebanon’s army is insufficient on its own to counter Israeli aggression, and portrays Hezbollah’s role as vital to defending Lebanese sovereignty and preventing Israeli expansion.
Key points from the speech include:
Defense Strategy: Qassem emphasizes the need for a national dialogue on defense but insists that Hezbollah’s arms are non-negotiable. The group’s weapons, he says, are essential for defending Lebanon from Israeli aggression and cannot be separated from the national defense apparatus.
Disarmament Rejection: He denounces domestic voices calling for Hezbollah’s disarmament, accusing them of serving Israeli and American interests. Qassem warns such rhetoric is aimed at inciting sedition between Hezbollah and the Lebanese Army, a relationship he insists is currently cooperative.
Ceasefire Violations: Hezbollah, he claims, has fully adhered to ceasefire agreements, while Israel has launched over 2,700 attacks in five months. He blames Israel for the ongoing conflict and insists Lebanon will not engage in further defense discussions until Israeli violations cease.
Opposition to U.S. Influence: Qassem rejects U.S. involvement in Lebanon’s political affairs, calling America the “Great Satan” and Israel a “cancerous gland” that must be uprooted. He warns against U.S.-backed attempts to pressure Lebanon during a time of military aggression.
Reconstruction Demands: Hezbollah accuses the Lebanese state of failing to deliver on reconstruction commitments following Israeli attacks and calls for immediate action as per ministerial pledges.
Dialogue Conditions: Qassem supports dialogue under the leadership of President Joseph Aoun but insists any talks on defense strategy must begin only after Israel withdraws and ends its aggressions.
Municipal Elections and Internal Unity: He voices support for upcoming municipal elections and reaffirms Hezbollah’s alliance with the Amal movement and broader community efforts.
Palestine as Central Cause: The Palestinian cause remains central to Hezbollah’s identity, with particular condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza and perceived international indifference.
Praise for Yemen and Iran: Qassem ends with praise for Yemen’s resistance against the U.S. and Israel and expresses cautious hope for Iranian-American talks, echoing Ayatollah Khamenei’s skepticism.
Qassem’s tone throughout the speech is combative, confident, and uncompromising. The rhetoric positions Hezbollah as a guardian of Lebanese sovereignty and frames disarmament as tantamount to betrayal of the national cause.
