On Tuesday, Former President of the Progressive Socialist Party and Druze leader, Walid Jumblatt, attacked the most recent speech delivered by Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, describing it as “irresponsible, irresponsible, irresponsible,” according to L’Oreint Today.
Jumblatt said, “I do not know why he wants to drag part of the Shiites and Lebanon into war,” considering that the speech issued by Qassem “provokes the Israelis,” and constitutes an uncalculated escalation at a delicate moment in Lebanon.
The Druze leader added that Qassem’s position “undermines the plan drawn up by the government for the army’s work in southern Lebanon,” noting that this plan had achieved notable progress on the ground, as part of official efforts to control the security situation and prevent a slide into a broader confrontation.
Naeem Qassem confirmed in a speech delivered the previous day that his party was “concerned with the necessity of confronting the American threat” to Iran, stressing that Hezbollah was “not neutral” in any conflict affecting the party that sponsors it regionally. This stance triggered a widespread wave of domestic political criticism.
Jumblatt’s position reflects growing concern among several political forces over the possibility of Lebanon once again being drawn into regional conflicts, at a time when the Lebanese state reiterates its commitment to the exclusivity of security and military decision-making.
Several political parties voiced criticism
The Lebanese Forces party (LF), which has long prioritized Hezbollah disarmament, dismissed the remarks as "only sound bombs," spokesman Charles Jabbour said. "Sheikh Qassem believes he can revive the theory of the unity of the fronts," he added referencing the 'Axis of Resistance,' under Iran's leadership. "But this time, the decision is made by the official power," Jabbour added. "I believe that the state will take the necessary measures in the face of any adventure by Naim Qassem."
LF MP Fadi Karam told local al-Jadeed TV that the speech "could drag the country into devastating wars" and that Hezbollah "does not care about Lebanon."
The Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), Hezbollah’s former ally, also criticized Qassem. Speaking to L'Orient Today, Martine Najm Kteily, the party’s vice president for political affairs, called his remarks "a challenge to the state" and its decision in regards to arms monopoly.
"We refuse to allow Lebanon to be dragged into a war to support a country, especially after the disastrous consequences of opening the support front in Gaza," she said.
In a post on X, FPM leader Gebran Bassil described Qassem's speech as "distressing." He warned it risks dragging Lebanon into further destruction rather than protecting it. Bassil added that the "unity of the fronts and the support front war have destroyed the party and Lebanon, undermining the deterrent function of arms."
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