Qassem calls for mutual security with Israel , rejects disarmament

What Happened

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem hailed an Iran-U.S. deal to end the regional war as a 'great victory' and a 'pivotal point' for Lebanon, thanking Iran for linking the Lebanese arena to the agreement and forcing Israel to stop its aggression. In a televised address on Wednesday, he called for 'mutual security' with Israel as the ceiling for negotiations, but firmly rejected disarmament, stating that any proposal under that banner 'will not pass.' Qassem urged Lebanese authorities to abandon direct U.S.-mediated talks with Israel, which he dismissed as 'concessions,' and insisted that domestic matters—including weapons, economy, and defense strategy—must be excluded from negotiations. His remarks come after the deal was announced on Monday, though Israeli strikes on south Lebanon have killed at least five people since, and ahead of a fifth round of talks scheduled for next week in Washington.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Qassem's speech solidifies Hezbollah’s refusal to disarm and signals its intention to retain a veto over Lebanon’s security policy, directly challenging the Lebanese government’s authority and the implementation of UNSCR 1701. By tying Lebanon’s fate to the Iran-U.S. deal, Hezbollah risks derailing ongoing bilateral talks and deepening internal divisions, while the call for 'mutual security' masks an uncompromising stance that could reignite full-scale hostilities with Israel despite the fragile reduction in violence.

Watch For

The fifth round of Lebanon-Israel talks in Washington next week; how the Lebanese government responds to Hezbollah’s rejection of disarmament and demand to quit negotiations; any formal release or implementation details of the Iran-U.S. deal and its impact on the south Lebanon security situation; potential Israeli military reactions or further strikes in response to Hezbollah’s posture.