Yossi Schwartz ISL (The section of the RCIT in Israel/Occupied Palestine) 17.08.2025
The Lebanese government, which serves the United States and (to a lesser extent) Israel, are being pushed to start a civil war against Hezbollah. Under pressure from Iran, Hezbollah has agreed to a bad armistice with Israel that endangers Lebanon’s existence. In the event of a military conflict, Hezbollah must be supported without granting it any political support.
The Hezbollah leader, in a message to the Lebanese government, said, “Either the state will remain and we will stay together, or the story will be over. The responsibility is on you.”
In a forceful speech, Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem declared that the organization would not surrender its weapons as long as “the aggression and occupation continue.” He strongly attacked the Lebanese government’s decision to disarm the militias, led by Hezbollah. He warned that it was a “very dangerous decision” that could lead the country to a crisis and even a civil war.
Qassem called the resolution “irresponsible” and “contrary to the Covenant of Coexistence,” and claimed that it “strips the resistance, the people, and Lebanon of its defenses against aggression, and allows the killing of fighters and the expulsion of civilians from their homes.” He demanded that the government “impose its authority and expel the Israelis from Lebanon” instead of dismantling Hezbollah.
In his remarks, Qassem stressed that if the organization is forced to do so, its members will conduct a “battle of Karbala” – a reference to a historical, religious battle in the Shi’a community – the “Battle of Karbala,” which symbolizes a war of no choice but to fight until death. He noted that Hezbollah and the Amal organization, headed by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, had decided to postpone the continuation of the mass demonstrations at this stage, in order to “allow an opportunity for discussion” and prevent a confrontation that “no one wants.” However, he warned that if the government forces a confrontation, the organization will respond with “demonstrations that will spread throughout Lebanon and even reach the U.S. Embassy in Beirut.”
Qassem expressed confidence in Hezbollah’s victory in the struggle against the government’s decision, and held it fully responsible for any “internal explosion” or “destruction in Lebanon.” He called on it to “fulfill its role in defending Lebanon and its citizens.” He concluded with a threatening message: “Do your part in ensuring stability and defending Lebanon – not participating in aggression against an entire community and against all supporters of the resistance from all streams, sects, and regions.
We will build the country together, for everyone, and not just for one component. This is our common homeland – we will live in it with dignity and build its sovereignty together. If you stand on the other side and try to confront us and destroy us – there will be no life for Lebanon; It is impossible to build Lebanon except with all its components. Either she will stay, and we will stay together, or the story will be over. The responsibility is on you.”
Qasem’s speech was videotaped as part of the commemoration ceremonies marking the anniversary of the death of Imam Hussein bin Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680.
Let us remember that when Israel occupied Lebanon from 1982 to 2000, the Lebanese army did not fight Israel, and it was Hezbollah that chased Israel out of Lebanon. In the war in Gaza, Hezbollah helped the Palestinians a little, and the Lebanese army did not shoot even one bullet.