Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem on Friday launched a blistering attack on the Lebanese government over its decision to place all weapons under the sole authority of the State, warning of internal strife, domestic collapse, and a “Karbala-style” battle if the group were forced to disarm.

“There will be no life in Lebanon if the government tries to confront Hezbollah,” Qassem said during a religious ceremony.

Qassem hailed Iran’s continued support for Hezbollah, saying  it "remains by our side and will continue to stand with us, just as the banner of the resistance will remain raised.”

He offered condolences to the families of Lebanese army soldiers killed in the southern town of Zibqin, describing them as “martyrs of duty to humanity, to truth, to the resistance, the army, and the nation.”

The Hezbollah official said Lebanese sovereignty could not be discussed without acknowledging the group's role in liberating occupied territory. Citing a survey conducted by the Consultative Center for Studies and Documentation, a Beirut-based research institution on strategic and development studies, he claimed most Lebanese do not believe the army alone can defend the country and that diplomacy by itself is insufficient, with the “majority of Lebanese opinion” siding with Hezbollah.

Qassem accused the government’s decision of stripping Hezbollah, its supporters, and Lebanon of “defensive weapons” during an assault, which he said would “facilitate the killing of Resistance fighters and drive them from their homes.” He urged authorities to “expel Israel first” and accused them of implementing an “American-Israeli agenda, even if that leads to civil war and internal strife.”

“The government is serving the Israeli project, whether knowingly or not,” he said.

Calling the disarmament decision a “sin,” Qassem accused the cabinet of agreeing to “facilitate the killing of their compatriots so they can enjoy the life they were promised.” 

“The legitimacy of the Resistance comes from the shed blood, liberation, justice, and the land, not from you,” Qassem told the government. 

Addressing proponents of “sovereignty” and exclusive state control of arms, he asked: “Did you not see the Israeli chief of staff on our land, congratulating his soldiers on this occupation and promising them more? Did you not hear Netanyahu speak of ‘Greater Israel’?”

Qassem said the government had taken a “dangerous decision” that undermines coexistence and exposes the country to a “very severe crisis.”

“Do not drag the Lebanese army into internal strife!” Qassem warned.

Reaffirming that Hezbollah would never hand over its weapons while Israel is still occupying Lebanese territory, Qassem vowed to fight “a Karbala-style battle" if necessary, in reference to the historic 680 CE confrontation in which Hussein ibn Ali and his followers chose martyrdom over surrender.

He revealed that Hezbollah and its Shiite ally Amal had agreed to postpone street protests to allow for discussion and amendments, but cautioned: “Street demonstrations could reach the U.S. embassy in Lebanon.”

Qassem said the government would bear “full responsibility” for any possible sectarian strife, domestic explosion, or destruction in Lebanon.

“This is our land,” he concluded. “Either we live together in dignity, build its sovereignty together, or Lebanon will have no life if you stand on the other side and try to confront us and eliminate us. Either Lebanon survives and we remain together, or peace be upon this world—and you will bear the responsibility.”