• Hezbollah's Naim Qassem left open the possibility of a new conflict with Israel.
• Qassem called Israel's killing of Haytham Tabtabai a "heinous crime" and vowed a response.
• Israel's military authorities claim efforts to disarm Hezbollah have been inadequate.
• Lebanon faces increasing pressure from Israel and the U.S. to curb Hezbollah's power.
• Qassem insists Lebanon should rely on its army and people for national defense.

The leader of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, has indicated that the group retains the right to respond militarily to Israel's recent assassination of its top military commander, Haytham Ali Tabtabai. Speaking in a televised address, Qassem described the killing as a "heinous crime" and emphasized that Hezbollah will decide the timing of its retaliation. He noted the growing fears in Lebanon of an escalated Israeli bombardment aimed at forcing Hezbollah to disarm, which the group steadfastly rejects, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and SCMP.

Qassem confirmed that Hezbollah is aware of the potential for renewed conflict, stating, "Do you expect a war later? It’s possible, sometime." He called on Lebanon to develop a robust defensive strategy that relies on both "its army and its people." His remarks come amidst ongoing Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, leading to a surge in tension, particularly after a significant strike last week that resulted in casualties in a Palestinian refugee camp, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and SCMP.

Despite international pressure, particularly from the U.S. and Israel, to disarm Hezbollah, Qassem reiterated that the group refuses to relinquish its arms as long as Israeli military actions continue against Lebanese territory. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee dismissed the Lebanese army's attempts to seize Hezbollah's weapons as "inadequate," underscoring the challenges in maintaining order and disarmament in the region, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and SCMP.