Nawaf Salam Responds to Hezbollah’s Naeem Qassem Amid Warnings of Internal Conflict
Beirut, August 15, 2025 – Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Friday warned against “irresponsible rhetoric and actions” that could undermine domestic stability, referring to recent statements by Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naeem Qassem, which Salam described as carrying an implicit threat of civil conflict.
Salam rejected allegations that the Lebanese government is executing a “U.S.-Israeli agenda,” stating: “Such claims are entirely unfounded. All decisions are made within the Lebanese Cabinet through a purely national process, free from external influence.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Taif Agreement, describing it as the national charter that mandates the extension of state authority across all Lebanese territories through its legitimate security institutions.
Government Clarifies Position on Hezbollah’s Weapons
Addressing the ongoing public debate over Hezbollah’s weapons, Salam emphasized that no group in Lebanon is authorized to bear arms outside the framework of the state. He added: “No one has called for handing over Hezbollah’s weapons to the Israeli side, as some claim. The proposal is for them to be transferred to the Lebanese Army, whose patriotism we fully trust and whose role must not be undermined.”
Qassem Warns of Consequences, Defends Armed Resistance
In earlier remarks, Sheikh Naeem Qassem had warned that the Lebanese government’s initiative to disarm Hezbollah could lead to civil strife, calling the move a serious violation of the principles of national coexistence.
“We do not seek legitimacy from anyone. The resistance draws its legitimacy from sacrifice, history, and its defense of Lebanese territory,” Qassem said, urging the government to focus on confronting Israel rather than targeting the “resistance,” according to his statement.
He also cautioned against involving the Lebanese Army in internal disputes, describing it as a national institution with a strong track record and leadership committed to unity.
Qassem revealed that Hezbollah and its political ally, the Amal Movement, have decided to postpone any street demonstrations against the U.S.-backed plan to disarm the group, citing a belief that dialogue with the government remains possible.
However, he did not rule out future protests, stating that demonstrations could reach the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut if pressure on the group continues.
Read also: Lebanon: Parliament MPs respond to Hezbollah’s refusal to hand over weapons
