Knockback offers potential blow to US diplomat Thomas Barrack’s efforts to press on with ‘go-forward plan’ for Israel-Lebanon peace.
Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem appeared to dismiss a proposal that his group disarm, as offered by america to Lebanon’s management final month.
Qassem argued on Friday that the Israeli military would increase in Lebanon if there was no “resistance” within the nation.
“We is not going to give up or give as much as Israel; Israel is not going to take our weapons away from us,” he mentioned in a video message.
Qassem’s feedback dealt a possible blow to US diplomat Thomas Barrack’s efforts final month to safe a deal between Lebanon and Israel that will contain disarmament of the Lebanese armed group.
Barrack, Washington’s ambassador to Turkiye and particular envoy to Syria, had declared he was “unbelievably glad” earlier this month after receiving a response to his proposals from the Lebanese authorities, including {that a} “go-forward plan” was within the works.
Lebanese leaders who took workplace after greater than a yr of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have promised a state monopoly on bearing arms, whereas demanding Israel adhere to a ceasefire with the group reached final November.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam mentioned in an interview with Al Jadeed TV on Friday that concern of Israeli escalation was warranted, however that the US proposal was an “alternative” that would result in Israel’s withdrawal.
Salam acknowledged Hezbollah’s weapons performed a number one position in liberating South Lebanon from Israel in 2000, however insisted that they have to now be below the command of the Lebanese state.
Qassem, nonetheless, mentioned Lebanon is dealing with an existential hazard that must be prioritised over the difficulty of giving the state monopoly over utilizing weapons.
“After we tackle that hazard, we’re prepared to debate a defence technique or a nationwide safety technique,” he mentioned.
Hezbollah claims the Lebanese armed forces have did not confront Israeli abuses since Israel’s inception in 1948.
‘Prepared for a defensive confrontation’
Beneath the ceasefire, Hezbollah was to tug its fighters again north of the Litani River, some 30km (18 miles) from the Israeli frontier.
Israel was to withdraw its troops from Lebanon, however has stored them deployed in 5 areas that it deemed strategic and has breached the ceasefire on a near-daily foundation with lethal strikes.
Israel dealt Hezbollah vital blows in final yr’s battle, assassinating its chief, Hassan Nasrallah, together with different commanders and destroying a lot of its arsenal.
Qassem appeared to acknowledge that Hezbollah was not ready to hit again or assault Israeli troops occupying components of South Lebanon.
However he mentioned the group wouldn’t disarm below the specter of a renewed all-out battle.
“We’re continuing, ready and prepared for a defensive confrontation,” the Hezbollah chief mentioned.