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From the Liveblog of
Sunday, May 24, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Hezbollah chief says unacceptable ‘disarmament’ would lead to ‘annihilation’
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Displaced residents wave a flag with the image of Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem as they return to their villages following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, in Zefta, southern Lebanon, April 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
BEIRUT, Lebanon — Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem says that his terror group’s disarmament was unacceptable and amounted to “annihilation,” as Lebanon prepares for a new round of direct talks with Israel in Washington early next month.
“Disarmament means stripping Lebanon of its defensive capability and the capability of the resistance (Hezbollah) and this people, paving the way for annihilation,” he says in a televised address, adding: “Disarmament is annihilation and we cannot accept it.”
A state monopoly on weapons demanded by Lebanese authorities, “at this stage is aimed at targeting the resistance and is an Israeli project,” he adds.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
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