Hezbollah Leader Declares Election Losses Aid Lebanon
Naim Qassem argues that political setbacks for Washington and Jerusalem strengthen the case for keeping the group's arsenal intact.
By Emmanuel Faure ·
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem declared on Wednesday that recent electoral defeats for United States Republicans and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will benefit Lebanon. Speaking via video link at a ceremony honoring members of the group killed by Israel and their families, Qassem described the outcome of last week’s US midterm elections as an "earthquake." He characterized the October 27 Israeli vote as a failure for Netanyahu, whose bloc did not secure the 61 seats necessary to maintain power.
The remarks occurred during an ongoing standoff between the Iran-backed militant group and President Joseph Aoun, who is supported by Washington. The Lebanese government seeks to consolidate state control over arms, a move Qassem rejected. He argued that disarming while Israeli forces occupy parts of southern Lebanon would amount to surrendering to Israel. Qassem stated that Hezbollah would accept no exclusive state control, regulation, or dismantling of its weapons as long as the occupation persists.
Qassem urged Lebanese citizens to unite in rebuilding the country and defending its sovereignty. He advised domestic authorities to focus on internal affairs and avoid making commitments that serve Israeli interests. His comments reinforced the group’s stance against disarmament. Qassem assumed leadership after Israel assassinated Hassan Nasrallah and his successor, Hashem Safieddine, in 2024.
The political tension sits against the backdrop of a war that began in February with surprise US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Those attacks killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Hezbollah retaliated with missiles and drones, leading to weeks of heavy Israeli bombing in southern Lebanon. Lebanese authorities report that more than 4,300 people have died. The United Nations estimates that approximately one million people have been displaced.
Qassem praised Iran for closing the Strait of Hormuz, a move that disrupted shipping and increased global oil prices. He suggested this action would reduce American and Israeli influence in the region. US President Donald Trump acknowledged that the conflict with Iran and higher fuel costs contributed to the Republican losses in the midterms. Vice President JD Vance, a likely 2028 candidate, also cited the war as a factor in the party’s defeat.
Despite a ceasefire mediated by the United States in June, Israeli bombing of southern Lebanon has continued. Israel currently occupies dozens of the roughly 60 towns and villages in the south. Qassem’s address served as a public declaration that the group remains firm in its refusal to surrender its military capabilities while these territorial conditions exist.
