Naim Qassem dismissed US disarmament proposals for Hezbollah, asserting that resistance is crucial to prevent Israeli expansion in Lebanon. US diplomat Thomas Barrack's disarmament plan faces obstacles as Lebanon's leadership emphasizes a security strategy prioritizing national defense over disarmament. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam noted Hezbollah's role in liberating South Lebanon and called for weapons to be controlled by the state. He acknowledged the fear of Israeli escalation while viewing US proposals as a potential path toward Israel's withdrawal, advocating for a state monopoly on force post addressing existential threats.
We will not surrender or give up to Israel; Israel will not take our weapons away from us, he said in a video message.
Salam acknowledged Hezbollah's weapons played a leading role in liberating South Lebanon from Israel in 2000, but insisted that they must now be under the command of the Lebanese state.
Qassem argued on Friday that the Israeli army would expand in Lebanon if there was no resistance in the country.
After we address that danger, we are ready to discuss a defence strategy or a national security strategy, he said.
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