Hezbollah warns disarmament would lead to Lebanon's occupation

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said on Sunday (24 May) that attempts to disarm the group would result in the ‘annihilation’ of Hezbollah and the gradual occupation of Lebanon. He vowed Hezbollah would continue fighting Israel, stating: ‘Our existence is threatened and we will defend ourselves to one of two outcomes: victory or martyrdom,’ in a speech broadcast on local TV station Al-Manar. Qassem added that Israel aims to eliminate resistance and occupy all of Lebanon as part of the ‘Greater Israel’ project. He also urged the Lebanese government to pursue indirect negotiations rather than direct talks with Israel, warning against taking positions opposing the resistance group or making concessions to the United States and Israel.