Hezbollah denies rumors of surrender while cautiously signaling willingness to engage in national dialogue about its weapons under Lebanon’s new leadership.

Israel’s decision to maintain military positions in southern Lebanon beyond the withdrawal deadline has heightened tensions, with Hezbollah threatening renewed hostilities and diplomatic negotiations struggling to prevent further escalation.

Sheikh Na’im Qassem’s first major speech as Hezbollah’s leader reaffirmed the group’s commitment to armed resistance, rejected Israeli presence in Lebanon, and criticized the Lebanese government’s alignment with Western interests.