May 12, 2026
Hezbollah chief says group's weapons excludedgroup's weapons excluded from Israel-Lebanon talks
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated on May 12 that his Iran-backed group's weapons will not be part of upcoming negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, while vowing his fighters would resist Israeli forces.
The statement signals potential friction over the scope of any ceasefire or peace agreement, as Israel may seek to address Hezbollah's military capabilities while the group insists on retaining its arsenal.
Hezbollah Position
Hezbollah chief Qassem made clear that the group's weapons stockpile remains non-negotiable and outside the scope of talks between Lebanon and Israel. He reaffirmed the group's commitment to armed resistance, vowing that fighters would make any battlefield engagement costly for Israeli forces.
Implied Israeli Perspective
Israel has historically sought to limit or eliminate Hezbollah's military capabilities as a condition for any lasting settlement. The group's refusal to include weapons in negotiations suggests a fundamental disagreement over what a sustainable agreement would require.
- Hezbollah's arsenal reportedly includes Scud missiles capable of striking central Israel from southern Lebanon.
- The group receives logistical support from Syria, using routes once vital for Iranian arms shipments.
Israel-Hezbollah War in Lebanon
Israel has intensified airstrikes across southern Lebanon despite an ongoing ceasefire, killing dozens in a single day as of May 9 and targeting over 85 Hezbollah sites including weapons facilities and the commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force.
