Key facts
- Hezbollah affirmed its legitimate right to resist Israeli occupation and aggression.
- The group rejected linking Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon to internal matters like disarmament.
- Hezbollah stated its commitment to a 2024 ceasefire but vowed to defend Lebanon.
- Lebanese authorities are working on a plan to disarm Hezbollah.
- Israel accused Hezbollah of rearming and urged Lebanon to implement disarmament measures.
Hezbollah has reiterated its stance on its right to self-defense amidst ongoing tensions with Israel, asserting that this right remains as long as Israeli occupation and aggression persist. Senior Hezbollah official Mahmoud Qamati stated that the group's right to self-defense is in place and rejected any attempts to link an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon to internal Lebanese issues, including demands for Hezbollah to disarm.
Hezbollah MP Hussein Hajj Hassan echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that surrender is not in the movement's vocabulary and that it is ready to defend Lebanon and its interests. He highlighted Lebanon's compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, while accusing Israel of failing to adhere to the cessation of hostilities agreement. The group supports holding elections on schedule and maintains strong relations with the Amal Movement.
These statements come as the Lebanese government, under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, is nearing the completion of the first phase of its weapons control plan, focusing on areas south of the Litani River. The government is prepared to move to the second phase, extending north of the river, based on a proposal from the Lebanese Army.
Hezbollah previously stated on November 6 that it has a legitimate right to defend itself against Israel and rejected any political negotiations between the two countries. This statement followed warnings from Israel about intensifying operations in Lebanon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing Hezbollah of rearming. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz has urged Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to implement disarmament plans, accusing him of delaying action. Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024 after months of hostilities, Israel maintains troops in southern Lebanon and conducts regular strikes. The Lebanese government has ordered the army to devise a plan to disarm Hezbollah, but the group, the only one not to have handed over its weapons after the civil war, remains steadfast.