Naim Qassem: Lebanon Must Stand Firm Against Threats and Protect Sovereignty
2/16/2026 5:18:00 PM
Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Sheikh Naim Qassem, delivered a series of strong statements on Lebanon’s security, sovereignty, and the ongoing regional tensions with Israel, emphasizing that Lebanon will not yield to external pressure.
Commenting on past agreements, Qassem said, “If the enemy agrees to a deal on paper, it will not honor it. All the evidence, from Oslo to Madrid, shows this, with the United States fully involved and even directing the operations.”
He criticized the Lebanese government’s focus on disarmament, describing it as “a big mistake, as it serves the goals of the Israeli enemy.” At the same time, Qassem reaffirmed support for the Lebanese Army, stating, “We want the Lebanese Army to be properly armed to maintain security and uphold sovereignty against the Israeli enemy. We do not seek war, but we will not surrender and are ready to defend against any aggression.”
Addressing threats, he added, “We will not bow to threats, and if we do not surrender, they will not be able to do anything. If you want us to give up, then change the constitution, because the principle is to fight for liberation.”
Qassem also made clear that his position rejects external pressure and concessions: “We are not in favor of giving free concessions, nor are we willing to follow the orders of American and international guardianship or fulfill the aggressive demands of Israel.”
On recent agreements with Israel, he noted, “The November 2024 agreement between Lebanon and Israel, implemented indirectly by Lebanon, has not been implemented by Israel.”
Through these remarks, Qassem underscored a message of steadfastness and a refusal to compromise on Lebanon’s sovereignty and security in the face of external pressures.
Commenting on past agreements, Qassem said, “If the enemy agrees to a deal on paper, it will not honor it. All the evidence, from Oslo to Madrid, shows this, with the United States fully involved and even directing the operations.”
He criticized the Lebanese government’s focus on disarmament, describing it as “a big mistake, as it serves the goals of the Israeli enemy.” At the same time, Qassem reaffirmed support for the Lebanese Army, stating, “We want the Lebanese Army to be properly armed to maintain security and uphold sovereignty against the Israeli enemy. We do not seek war, but we will not surrender and are ready to defend against any aggression.”
Addressing threats, he added, “We will not bow to threats, and if we do not surrender, they will not be able to do anything. If you want us to give up, then change the constitution, because the principle is to fight for liberation.”
Qassem also made clear that his position rejects external pressure and concessions: “We are not in favor of giving free concessions, nor are we willing to follow the orders of American and international guardianship or fulfill the aggressive demands of Israel.”
On recent agreements with Israel, he noted, “The November 2024 agreement between Lebanon and Israel, implemented indirectly by Lebanon, has not been implemented by Israel.”
Through these remarks, Qassem underscored a message of steadfastness and a refusal to compromise on Lebanon’s sovereignty and security in the face of external pressures.