‘Will not give up’: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem tells supporters; dismisses Israeli threats

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem (File Photo)

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem declared on Sunday that the group will not give up or lay down its arms in response to Israeli threats. Addressing hundreds of supporters through the Ashura commemoration in Beirut’s southern suburbs, Qassem mentioned, “This threat will not make us accept surrender.”Qassem, who succeeded the late Hassan Nasrallah after he was killed by Israel final September, acknowledged that Hezbollah fighters will retain their weapons till Israel ends what he referred to as its “aggression.”His feedback come amid ongoing stress on the Lebanese authorities to disarm Hezbollah. Lebanese officers have mentioned they’re working to dismantle the group’s army positions in southern Lebanon, close to the Israeli border.A ceasefire agreed upon final November required Hezbollah to maneuver its fighters north of the Litani River, whereas Israel was to withdraw troops from Lebanese territory. However, Israel has maintained its presence at 5 strategic factors. Despite the truce, Israeli airstrikes have continued in Lebanon, citing Hezbollah targets and accusing Beirut of failing to behave.Qassem mentioned Israel should meet its obligations below the ceasefire—withdraw from Lebanese land, halt its assaults, launch prisoners from final yr’s battle, and assist Lebanon’s reconstruction—earlier than any nationwide safety discussions can happen. He additionally rejected discuss of normalising ties after an Israeli official floated the thought.On Monday, US envoy Tom Barrack is anticipated to go to Beirut.During the Ashura procession, Hezbollah supporters marched in black by way of the capital’s southern districts, waving Hezbollah, Lebanese, Palestinian, and Iranian flags. Many held posters of the slain chief Hassan Nasrallah.Lebanon’s authorities has remained silent on the suggestion of normalisation. Syria, which was additionally talked about by Israel’s international minister, mentioned it was “premature” to debate such a step.