Lebanese outcry denounces Hezbollah Secretary-General provocative remarks

BEIRUT – The recent speech by Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem during a religious commemoration in Baalbek was far from a routine political address. Rather, it stood as an overt declaration targeting Lebanon’s national unity, employing threats and intimidation to undermine state sovereignty, a message heard globally. 

The inflammatory remarks sparked immediate backlash across Lebanon’s political spectrum. Ibrahim Mrad, President of the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) condemned Qassem’s rhetoric, calling it a brazen and shameless threat to all Lebanese. Mrad accused Hezbollah of openly rejecting state authority and rule of law. 

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, issued a scathing critique: “Qassem’s veiled threats of civil war are unacceptable. No Lebanese desires conflict, and such provocations must end.” He emphasized that government decisions are made independently, dismissing Hezbollah’s claims of U.S.-Israeli influence as baseless.  

Salam reaffirmed the Taif Agreement’s mandate for state monopoly on arms. “No party may wield weapons outside state institutions, arms belong solely to the Lebanese Army,” he added. “No one has demanded handing Hezbollah’s weapons to the Israeli enemy, as some falsely claim, but rather to the Lebanese Army, whose patriotism we firmly reject any questioning of.” 

“Beware of irresponsible actions that fuel sectarian strife!” he warned.  

Via X, Leader of the Lebanese Forces Party Samir Geagea denounced Qassem’s speech as a direct threat to Lebanon’s government, parliamentary majority and constitutional institutions. “This is also a direct threat to every free Lebanese citizen,” he added, ”If Qassem assumes there are no longer free Lebanese in Lebanon, he is wrong, utterly wrong. If he believes he can impose his non-existent authority over these free Lebanese through such methods, he is wrong again, and again, and again.” 

“At this critical juncture in Lebanon’s history, we stand united as free Lebanese citizens, representing the vast majority in Lebanon, firmly behind our constitutional institutions, particularly the President of the Republic and Prime Minister. Both leaders are working with unwavering patriotism, determination and strength to restore Lebanon to its true self, reinstate a fully functional state, bring back Lebanon’s friends and regain the support of the international community,” Geagea emphasized, indicating that they will spare no effort to prevent anyone from sabotaging this historic opportunity to rebuild Lebanon anew. 

Justice Minister Adel Nassar of the Lebanese Kataeb Party echoed these sentiments on Al Arabiya, stating that Qassem’s statements are categorically unacceptable. The Iranian-backed Hezbollah is threatening Lebanon’s legitimate government while advancing a foreign agenda against the interests of its own people. He also urged Hezbollah to abandon its “adventurism” and prioritize rebuilding Lebanon’s governance. 

As local and international pressure amount, the critical question remains: Will Hezbollah recalibrate its agenda, or will it persist in destabilizing Lebanon for Iran’s interests?