Hezbollah announces continuation of armed struggle

BEIRUT: Hezbollah has rejected the newly signed US-brokered security framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, declaring that it does not recognize the deal and will continue its armed resistance against Israel.

According to Reuters, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem on Saturday described the agreement as a “surrender” to Israel, one day after it was signed. He said the Washington-backed framework undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty and should not replace previous understandings involving Iran.

Qassem argued that the agreement places unfair conditions on Lebanon by linking Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory to Hezbollah’s disarmament. He called these provisions unacceptable and said they effectively legitimize Israel’s military presence in disputed areas.

“The agreement is null and void,” Qassem said, accusing the Lebanese government of making unilateral concessions without national consensus. He insisted that Hezbollah would not disarm until Israel completely withdraws from occupied Lebanese territory, describing the issue as a “red line.”

The Hezbollah leader also praised Iran’s role in securing the previous ceasefire arrangements, claiming Tehran had strengthened Lebanon’s negotiating position. He criticized the Lebanese government’s decision to endorse the US-backed framework.

Qassem reaffirmed Hezbollah’s commitment to armed resistance, saying the group had not abandoned the battlefield during previous conflicts and would not do so now.

Meanwhile, opposition to the agreement has reportedly spread beyond Hezbollah. The Amal Movement, led by Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, also criticized the deal, describing it as unbalanced and arguing that it favors Israel.

The agreement has also drawn criticism from many displaced Lebanese citizens, particularly within the Shiite community, who remain unable to return to homes in areas affected by the conflict.