Hezbollah’s deputy chief Sheikh Naim Qassem declared that Israel will never succeed in disarming the Lebanese resistance group. Speaking at a memorial for Commander Ali Karaki, Qassem emphasized Hezbollah’s readiness against Israeli aggression. He criticized U.S.-Israel plans for a new deal aimed at weakening Hezbollah, stating it poses an existential threat to Lebanon. Qassem acknowledged the cost of resistance but warned that surrender would expose the entire nation to attack. He urged unity and resistance to safeguard Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has firmly stated that while Lebanon hopes for peaceful coexistence with Israel, there are no plans to normalize diplomatic relations. “Peace simply means the absence of war, but normalization is not part of Lebanon’s foreign policy,” he emphasized. Aoun also called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from disputed border points still under occupation and accused Israel of repeatedly violating its ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. He reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to maintaining exclusive state control over all weapons in the country.

At least five people were killed and one injured in an Israeli drone strike in the southern Lebanese city of Al-Nabatieh, according to local sources cited by Mehr News. The drone targeted a specific vehicle despite an ongoing ceasefire.

Lebanese officials view such actions as violations of national sovereignty. Hezbollah has reaffirmed its refusal to disarm, while the Lebanese government continues to remain largely silent on Israeli aggressions. President Joseph Aoun confirmed that Lebanon has no plans to normalize relations with Israel.

Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary General Naim Qassem has declared that there will be no disarmament of the resistance until Israeli aggression ceases. “Before asking us to lay down arms, demand an end to the occupation,” he said. He warned that those advocating surrender would have to face the consequences. Qassem emphasized that defending the homeland requires no external approval, although dialogue could be possible if viable alternatives are presented. His statement came in response to a U.S. proposal urging Lebanon to bring all arms under state control and implement broader reforms.

Three people, including a woman, were killed on Saturday in Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon, despite an ongoing ceasefire with Iran-backed Hezbollah. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that one person died in Kunin area when a drone targeted a vehicle. Later, two more were killed in the Mahrouna area, including a woman on a motorcycle. Israel denied targeting civilians and claimed the woman was killed in a Hezbollah rocket attack. A day earlier, a similar strike killed another woman and injured at least 25 others.

Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker and influential Shia leader Nabih Berri has dismissed the possibility of Lebanon entering a war, asserting, “I am 200% certain that Lebanon will not get involved in any war.” He emphasized that Iran does not need Lebanon’s support, but rather, it is Israel that seeks external backing. Berri’s remarks counter widespread speculation that Hezbollah-aligned Lebanon might side with Iran in the escalating conflict.

Hezbollah will directly engage in the Iran-Israel conflict if the United States intervenes militarily or if Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is assassinated, a source told Middle East Eye. Hezbollah considers such actions as crossing a "red line."

Earlier, on June 14, Hezbollah lawmaker Hasan Fadlallah declared, "Iran knows how to defend itself," signaling that any threat to its sovereignty could draw in regional allies.

Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem stated that the organization, along with the Islamic Resistance Movement, fully supports Iran’s legitimate and sovereign rights and stands against the hostility of the United States and "the cancerous tumor, Israel."

Qassem said, “We are not neutral. Threats by Donald Trump to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are not just an attack on Iran, but on the entire region.” He added that Hezbollah will respond as it deems appropriate to such aggression by the U.S. and Israel.

Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem said the ideology of Imam Khomeini remains vibrant among the Muslim Ummah. “Through his revolutionary insight, the sacred light of Muhammadan Islam continues to spread,” he said. Describing Khomeini as a pioneer of resistance and justice, Qassem credited him with laying the foundation for anti-oppression movements across the Middle East. He praised Iran's continued support for resistance forces and noted that Khomeini led Iran from monarchy and American dominance to an independent Islamic republic.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem declared that the conflict with Israel is far from over, accusing the Israeli government of failing to honor peace agreements. Speaking on “Resistance and Liberation Day,” he said Israel’s inability to maintain a presence in Lebanon since 1982 was a result of fierce resistance. Qassem recalled Israel’s failed attempt to impose the May 17 Agreement and emphasized that any future efforts to extend Israeli expansion into Lebanon would be futile.

On Sunday, Israeli drones, followed by fighter jets, launched attacks on Beirut’s Al-Hadath area in the Dahieh region, raising fears of heavy casualties. Al-Manar TV reported that Israeli forces ordered immediate evacuation of residents before the assault. The targeted area is densely populated with civilians and contains no military facilities. Israel claims it struck a Hezbollah weapons depot.

Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary General Naim Qassem stated on Friday that the group will not consider disarmament. “The term ‘disarmament’ must be erased from our vocabulary,” he said. Senior leader Wafic Safa added that any negotiations over weapons would only occur after Israel completely withdraws from southern Lebanon and releases prisoners. He also stressed that Hezbollah has already transferred control of nearly 190 out of 265 military sites south of the Litani River to the Lebanese army.

A senior Hezbollah official has told Reuters that the group is open to discussing disarmament with Lebanon’s President, but only if Israel fully withdraws its forces from southern Lebanon and halts all attacks. The statement comes amid rising pressure following the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah war, which severely destabilized the region. The conflict led to the deaths of numerous senior Hezbollah leaders and thousands of its fighters, as well as the destruction of a significant portion of its rocket stockpile.
Lebanon’s U.S.-backed President Joseph Aoun, who took office in January, previously announced that all arms must fall under state control — a position that adds urgency to the unfolding negotiations.

Five months after his death in an Israeli attack, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s official funeral was held on Sunday morning in a stadium in Hezbollah-controlled southern Beirut. Thousands of supporters gathered in the city to pay their last respects. Nasrallah had led the Shia Muslim group through decades of conflict with Israel, transforming Hezbollah into a formidable regional military force. According to Reuters, the gathering was not just a mourning ceremony but also a show of strength. A funeral was also held for senior Hezbollah figure Hashem Safi al-Din.

The funeral of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is set to take place today in Beirut. More than just a mourning ceremony, this event is expected to serve as a powerful demonstration of Hezbollah’s political strength, particularly at a time when the group is facing challenges. Nasrallah was killed on September 27, 2023, in an Israeli airstrike while meeting in a bunker on the southern outskirts of Beirut. A highly influential leader in the Arab world, he played a key role in expanding Hezbollah’s influence and was widely respected across the region. Thousands of people, including Iranian officials and representatives from various countries, are expected to attend the funeral.