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A top official within Hezbollah has warned that his group will not disarm as Lebanese leaders debate whether to force the Iran-backed movement to surrender its weapons amid growing US and Israeli pressure.

Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, Hezbollah is a terrorist organization based in Lebanon that holds political power and operates as both a militant group and a political party. Founded in 1982 with support from Iran, Hezbollah emerged during the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon and quickly gained prominence as an anti-Israel resistance movement. Over time, the group made its way into Lebanon’s political system and now holds seats in parliament. Despite its designation as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, and others, Hezbollah retains strong support among segments of Lebanon’s Shiite population. Its military wing is more powerful than the Lebanese army, giving the group an outsized role in national security decisions and enabling it to act independently of the state.

What’s going on now: In a notable development, Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem rejected any proposals calling for the group’s disarmament. Qassem said, “We do not agree to a schedule for giving up our weapons under the shadow of Israeli aggression.” He also lashed out at the US and its envoy Thomas Barrack, who he said brought “dictates aimed at stripping Lebanon and Hezbollah of all power,” under the pretext of peace.

Qassem also accused Israel of breaching a ceasefire agreement reached back in November of 2024 and warned that if this continued, “missiles will fall inside the Israeli entity, and all the security they have built over eight months will collapse within an hour.” He added that Hezbollah, the Lebanese army, and the people would resist together and that “This battle is for all of Lebanon. Either we all win, or we all lose.”

His remarks came as Lebanese cabinet ministers met to discuss, for the first time, the future of Hezbollah’s weapons (an issue many say would be difficult to achieve). The debate was prompted by a US-backed disarmament roadmap, which reportedly includes a 30-day timetable for Hezbollah to dismantle half of its military infrastructure in exchange for Israeli troop withdrawals from five contested points in southern Lebanon, a halt to airstrikes, and funds to rebuild war-damaged regions. Some Lebanese lawmakers, including members of anti-Hezbollah parties, have proposed including a clear timeline for disarmament in the cabinet’s official statement (something Hezbollah and its allies strongly oppose).