Hezbollah has hinted thatinted that if the Lebanese government decides to confront them or tries to eliminate the group, it could lead to a civil war in Lebanon.
Last year, there was a fierce war between Hezbollah and Israel. The war ended in November under a ceasefire agreement mediated by the United States. The agreement stipulated that Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah fighters would move north of the Litani River.
Under this agreement, the Lebanese government has been working to bring weapons in the country under government control. Although the government has pressured Hezbollah to lay down its arms, the group continues to resist. Hezbollah says they will only do so when Israel stops attacking Lebanon and Israeli soldiers leave the southern regions of Lebanon.
In a televised speech, Hezbollah’s senior official, Naim Qassem, said that the country will remain united and its people live together with dignity. He said they build and establish the country’s independence together. He warned that if the government separates itself and confronts Hezbollah, Lebanon will not survive.
In the past two years, Israeli attacks targeting Hezbollah have killed many of the group’s senior leaders, including former leader Hassan Nasrallah and about 5,000 Hezbollah fighters. These attacks have severely damaged Hezbollah’s weapons and greatly reduced their arsenal.
Last week, the Lebanese Cabinet instructed the country’s army to ensure that only state security forces carry weapons in Lebanon. This decision has greatly displeased Hezbollah. Qassem accused the Lebanese government of implementing an American and Israeli order, attempting to eliminate those who oppose it even if it leads to civil war and instability in the country.
Qassem further said that Hezbollah and its allied Amal Movement have decided to postpone planned gatherings for now. He said there’s still opportunity to discuss the issue, make changes, and find a political solution. He warned that if such a solution is not found, things could worsen and lead to confrontation. He said if the government forces Hezbollah to confront state security forces, the group will have no choice but to take to the streets in protest. He added that these protests would reach the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon.
