Hezbollah’s Qassem threatens ‘they will face our fury’ as Lebanese Forces’ Geagea proclaims end to ‘nominal state’

BEIRUT / TEL AVIV — In Lebanon, the meaning of “sovereignty” remains deeply contested, shaped by political allegiances and competing visions for the country’s future. The Lebanese government’s recent decision to disarm Iran-backed Hezbollah is widely regarded by many as a crucial step toward restoring state authority and ending subordination to foreign powers. Hezbollah, however, defines sovereignty differently — rooting it in allegiance to the so-called “Axis of Resistance.”

Speaking at a memorial ceremony, Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem declared that, “the starting point for resolving Lebanon’s problems lies in restoring national sovereignty, without which no progress can be made.” He called on the government to hold intensive sessions on what he described as “restoring sovereignty” and urged elites to flood social media with proposals in support of his interpretation.

Qassem’s remarks underline the paradox at the heart of Lebanon’s crisis. Nearly all major political factions — including Hezbollah’s traditional allies, the Amal Movement, and the Free Patriotic Movement — have come to the conclusion that disarmament is the only viable path to saving the state and reclaiming sovereignty. Qassem, however, dismisses his rivals as misguided, portraying himself as the lone voice of reason. To his critics, he appears more like “the only madman,” urging Lebanon onto a path that risks plunging the country into another war in which all sides stand to lose.

Reaffirming Hezbollah’s unwavering commitment to preserving its arsenal, Qassem insisted that the group’s weapons complement the Lebanese Army’s capabilities. He argued that the “resistance” does not simply deter aggression but actively responds to it, confronting and obstructing its objectives. His speech came against the backdrop of Israel’s continued military positions in parts of southern Lebanon.

“Israel may occupy, kill, and destroy,” Qassem declared, “but we will confront it to prevent its stabilization, and this is within our capability.” He added that Israel’s presence would not endure in Lebanon nor succeed in advancing its expansionist agenda.

On the government’s decision to disarm Hezbollah, Qassem denounced the move as “unconstitutional,” accusing the authorities of betraying Lebanon’s sovereignty. “The weapons that have empowered us and protect us from our enemy will not be relinquished,” he vowed. “Those who seek to disarm us are, in effect, stripping us of our soul — and they will then witness our strength.”

His warnings, however, were dismissed by many as empty rhetoric, particularly following a speech by Lebanese Forces party leader Samir Geagea, who sought to reassure Lebanon’s youth about their present and future. Geagea declared that what once seemed impossible had now begun, describing the government’s decision as “the train of the genuine state setting off.” He emphasized that disarmament would restore the state’s authority, strengthen its military and security institutions, and put an end to entrenched corruption.

Geagea noted that the state has already begun reasserting control over refugee camps — an effort long obstructed by “resistance” forces — and would continue advancing on other fronts in parallel. “Everyone must get used to the fact that any decision made by the government will be implemented, as the era of the nominal state is over,” he said. He stressed that all illegitimate weapons must be handed over to the Lebanese Army, enabling the state to function properly and rebuild confidence among the population, especially young people.

The Lebanese government’s decision has drawn international attention and support, including a series of statements posted on X by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Israel acknowledges the significant step taken by the Lebanese Government, under the leadership of President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam,” read one message. Another post hailed the Cabinet’s decision to work toward disarming Hezbollah by the end of 2025 as “momentous.”

Statement from the Prime Minister’s Office:

Israel acknowledges the significant step taken by the Lebanese Government, under the leadership of President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam.

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) August 25, 2025

Netanyahu’s office further declared that Israel was ready to support Lebanon in its efforts to disarm Hezbollah and to cooperate toward a more secure and stable future for both nations. The posts added that if the Lebanese Armed Forces take concrete steps to implement Hezbollah’s disarmament, Israel would respond with reciprocal measures, including a phased reduction of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) presence, coordinated with a US-led security mechanism.

The statements concluded with a call for both countries to move forward “in a spirit of cooperation, focusing on the shared objective of disarming Hezbollah and promoting the stability and prosperity of both nations.”