Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem has warned that there will be “no life” for Lebanon if authorities confront the Iran-backed movement, as tension over Beirut's plan to disarm the group escalates.
The Hezbollah secretary general accused the government of effectively handing Lebanon over to Israel by pushing for disarmament.
The Lebanese government last week adopted the objectives of a US proposal that includes the disarmament of Hezbollah, despite all Shiite ministers storming out of the cabinet meeting where the plan was being discussed.
The cabinet decision drew praise from the US, but sparked street protests in areas where Hezbollah has support.
“Are you satisfied that [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu congratulated you?” Mr Qassem said, accusing the government of following US and Israeli demands. “The government is implementing an American-Israeli order to end the resistance, even if it leads to civil war and internal strife,” Mr Qassem said.
In response, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam posted an excerpt of an interview he gave to the Asharq Al Awsat newspaper on X, in which he said Mr Qassem's comments "carry an implicit threat of civil war".
"No one in Lebanon today wants a civil war, and threatening or hinting at it is completely unacceptable," he said. "The talk that the Lebanese government is implementing an American-Israeli project is baseless," he said, insisting that decisions taken were "purely Lebanese".
"No party in Lebanon is authorised to bear arms outside the scope of the Lebanese state," he said. "No one has demanded that Hezbollah's weapons be handed over to the Israeli enemy, as some promote, but rather to the Lebanese army."
While Hezbollah has repeatedly rejected the government's plan to disarm it, Mr Qassem's speech is the strongest statement yet by the group. He called on authorities to build the country together, respecting all sects and religions. He spoke at an event to mark Arbaeen, which comes 40 days after the commemoration of Ashura.
“This is our land together, this is our homeland together, we live with pride together, and we build its sovereignty together,” he said. “Or there is no life for Lebanon if you try to confront us and eliminate us.”
He criticised the government, holding it responsible for failing to stop Israel's daily bombings of Lebanon and for not pursuing Israel over the five points of Lebanese territory it occupies.
“The resistance will not surrender its weapons while aggression continues, occupation persists, and we will fight it … if necessary to confront this American-Israeli project no matter the cost,” he said.
Hezbollah has repeatedly said it will not discuss a national defence strategy until Israel withdraws from Lebanon and ceases its bombing.
“There is still room for discussion, for adjustments, and for a political resolution before the situation escalates to a confrontation no one wants,” Mr Qassem said.
“But if it is imposed on us, we are ready.”
Mr Qassem said Hezbollah and the Amal movement, its Shiite ally, had decided to delay street protests against a US-backed disarmament plan because they still believe there is room for dialogue with the Lebanese government. But he threatened that protests could reach the US embassy in Lebanon.
The Hezbollah leader's speech was also criticised by some of the group's opponents.
“Naim Qassem's party brought occupation, humanitarian catastrophe and economic collapse to Lebanon,” said Ashraf Rifi, an MP and former interior minister. “Today, after its defeat, it threatens the Lebanese state and people, presents itself as a victim and accuses the majority of treason.”
Mr Qassem's speech follows a meeting this week with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. He was visiting Beirut and held a number of tense meetings with Lebanese officials.
In a powerful rebuke of the group's main backer, Lebanon's President and Prime Minister told Mr Larijani of their deep dissatisfaction over Iran's criticism of plans to disarm Hezbollah.
Last week the government gave the army until the end of the month to prepare a plan to bring all weapons under state control by the end of 2025.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Ben White
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Raheem Sterling
More from our neighbourhood series:
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MATCH INFO
Barcelona 4 (Suarez 27', Vidal 32', Dembele 35', Messi 78')
Sevilla 0
Red cards: Ronald Araujo, Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona)
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
if you go
The flights
Etihad flies direct from Abu Dhabi to San Francisco from Dh5,760 return including taxes.
The car
Etihad Guest members get a 10 per cent worldwide discount when booking with Hertz, as well as earning miles on their rentals (more at www.hertz.com/etihad). A week's car hire costs from Dh1,500 including taxes.
The hotels
Along the route, Motel 6 (www.motel6.com) offers good value and comfort, with rooms from $55 (Dh202) per night including taxes. In Portland, the Jupiter Hotel (https://jupiterhotel.com/) has rooms from $165 (Dh606) per night including taxes. The Society Hotel https://thesocietyhotel.com/ has rooms from $130 (Dh478) per night including taxes.
More info
To keep up with constant developments in Portland, visit www.travelportland.com
Film: In Syria
Dir: Philippe Van Leeuw
Starring: Hiam Abbass, Diamand Bo Abboud, Mohsen Abbas and Juliette Navis
Verdict: Four stars
BOSH!'s pantry essentials
Nutritional yeast
This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.
Seeds
"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."
Umami flavours
"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".
Onions and garlic
"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."
Your grain of choice
Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Profile
Company: Libra Project
Based: Masdar City, ADGM, London and Delaware
Launch year: 2017
Size: A team of 12 with six employed full-time
Sector: Renewable energy
Funding: $500,000 in Series A funding from family and friends in 2018. A Series B round looking to raise $1.5m is now live.
The specs: 2018 Ducati SuperSport S
Price, base / as tested: Dh74,900 / Dh85,900
Engine: 937cc
Transmission: Six-speed gearbox
Power: 110hp @ 9,000rpm
Torque: 93Nm @ 6,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 5.9L / 100km
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: Omania, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm: Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 1,600m
Winner: Brehaan, Richard Mullen, Ana Mendez
6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,600m
Winner: Craving, Connor Beasley, Simon Crisford
6.30pm: The President’s Cup Prep (PA) Dh100,000 2,200m
Winner: Rmmas, Tadhg O’Shea, Jean de Roualle
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Dh70,000 1,200m
Winner: Dahess D’Arabie, Connor Beasley, Helal Al Alawi
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Fertile De Croate, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel
