Warning of 'Civil War' Over Disarmament Demand
"Will Be Held Responsible for Internal Explosions"
Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed faction in Lebanon, has issued a warning to the Lebanese government, which is attempting to disarm the group, stating that the government "will be held responsible for internal explosions and the complete destruction of Lebanon."
According to Lebanon's state-run NNA news agency on August 15 (local time), Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem delivered a video address that day, stating, "No one should participate in aggression against the entire community, or against the resistance forces from various factions, sects, and regions."
Qassem asserted, "This government is following orders from the United States and Israel to end the resistance, even if it leads to civil war and internal conflict," adding, "If you fight against us and attempt to eliminate us, Lebanon will not survive."
He further criticized, "The government's duty is to maintain and rebuild Lebanon's stability, not to hand over the country to the insatiable Israel or greedy United States."
Qassem reiterated, "As long as (Israel's) aggression and occupation continue, the resistance forces will not lay down their arms."
He also stated, "There are opinions suggesting we should take to the streets in protest, but Hezbollah has decided to postpone demonstrations for now." However, he warned, "If there is no other choice, we will take action to defend justice and prove our existence through protests that could sweep across Lebanon and head toward the U.S. Embassy."
On August 5, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam declared, "By the end of this year, the use of weapons will be limited to government forces." Two days later, President Michel Aoun approved a U.S.-proposed plan to disarm Hezbollah during a cabinet meeting. Hezbollah is strongly opposing these moves.
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