Hezbollah’s Stubborn Defiance Threatens Lebanon’s Stability and U.S. Peace Efforts

In a brazen video statement on the Shiite holy day of Ashoura, Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Kassem doubled down on the militant group’s refusal to disarm unless Israel withdraws completely from southern Lebanon. This stance comes despite mounting international pressure and an ongoing U.S.-brokered initiative to end decades of instability in the region. Kassem’s remarks highlight Hezbollah’s persistent role as an Iranian proxy, wielding violence under the guise of resistance while jeopardizing Lebanese sovereignty and regional peace. His justification — that missile arsenals are essential to repel Israeli aggression — ignores the reality that Hezbollah itself perpetuates hostilities through armed...