### Hezbollah's Stance: Defiance Against Israeli Threats Amidst Rising Tensions Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has firmly stated that his group will not surrender or disarm in response to Israeli threats. This declaration comes amidst increasing pressure on the Lebanese militant group to disarm, particularly following a series of Israeli airstrikes and ongoing tensions in the region. Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah's fighters will retain their weapons until Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon and ceases its military aggression, a stance that reflects the group's commitment to its resistance narrative and the broader geopolitical dynamics at play in the region [https://www.ibtimes.com.au/hezbollah-chief-says-wont-surrender-under-israeli-threats-1859563][https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/6/hezbollah-chief-says-wont-disarm-until-israel-leaves-southern-lebanon]. ### Structure of Hezbollah's Position and Context 1. **Hezbollah's Refusal to Disarm**: - Qassem's statements indicate a steadfast refusal to disarm until Israel's military presence and actions in southern Lebanon cease [https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/hezbollah-leader-refuses-to-disarm-until-israel-withdraws-from-southern-lebanon/article69780997.ece]. 2. **Context of Israeli Aggression**: - The backdrop of this refusal includes ongoing Israeli airstrikes and military operations in Lebanon, which Hezbollah views as acts of aggression that justify their armed resistance [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/hezbollah-chief-says-his-group-will-not-surrender-under-threat-from-israel]. 3. **Public Support and Symbolism**: - Qassem's address was delivered to thousands of supporters during the Shiite holy day of Ashoura, highlighting the group's strong grassroots support and the symbolic importance of resistance in their ideology [https://www.startribune.com/hezbollah-leader-refuses-to-disarm-until-israel-withdraws-from-southern-lebanon/601392514]. 4. **International Pressure**: - Despite international calls for disarmament, Qassem's rhetoric suggests that Hezbollah will not yield to external pressures, framing their armed struggle as a legitimate response to occupation [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2025/07/06/hezbollah-chief-says-will-not-surrender-under-threat-from-israel]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Statements from Qassem**: - "This threat will not make us accept surrender" [https://www.deccanchronicle.com/world/middle-east/hezbollah-chief-says-will-not-surrender-under-threat-from-israel-1889763]. - "We will only disarm after Israel's aggression stops first" [https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3317141/hezbollah-will-not-disarm-or-surrender-under-threat-israel-leader-says]. - **Public Gatherings**: - Thousands gathered in Beirut's southern suburbs, indicating strong public support for Hezbollah's stance during a significant religious observance [https://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/news/world/middle-east/hezbollah-leader-refuses-to-disarm-until-israel-withdraws-from-southern-lebanon/article_8960e03d-d739-5727-92a5-42b11d8cb976.html]. ### Conclusion: Hezbollah's Firm Stance Against Israeli Threats In summary, Hezbollah's leader Naim Qassem has made it clear that the group will not surrender or disarm until Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon and halts its military actions. This position is rooted in a broader narrative of resistance against perceived aggression and occupation. The following points encapsulate the key findings: 1. **Hezbollah's Commitment**: The group remains resolute in its refusal to disarm, viewing it as a matter of national and ideological integrity. 2. **Context of Aggression**: Ongoing Israeli military actions are cited as justification for maintaining their armed capabilities. 3. **Public Support**: The significant turnout during Qassem's address underscores the group's strong support base and the cultural significance of resistance. 4. **International Dynamics**: Hezbollah's defiance reflects a complex interplay of local and international pressures, with the group positioning itself against external demands for disarmament. This situation continues to evolve, with potential implications for regional stability and the ongoing Israeli-Lebanese conflict [https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250705-hezbollah-rejects-calls-to-disarm-before-end-of-israeli-aggression-against-lebanon].