Hezbollah secretary-general Naim Qassem warned in a televised speech on 15 August that Lebanon would have “no life” and could slide into civil war if the government proceeds with efforts to disarm the Iranian-backed movement. Qassem said the group would “fight no matter the cost” to keep its arsenal, framing the disarmament push as part of an “American-Israeli order”. His remarks came ten days after the cabinet instructed the Lebanese Army to devise, by year-end, a plan to place all weapons in state hands—an initiative endorsed by Washington following last year’s war with Israel. That conflict left Hezbollah badly weakened, with former leader Hassan Nasrallah and about 5,000 fighters killed, according to a Reuters tally, and much of its arsenal destroyed. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described Qassem’s comments as an unacceptable, veiled threat of civil war, adding that “no party in Lebanon is authorised to bear arms outside the framework of the state”. Justice Minister Adal Nassar likewise said Hezbollah would bear responsibility for any domestic unrest, insisting the group can no longer dictate to the state. Qassem argued that disarmament cannot occur until Israel ends air strikes and withdraws from five disputed border positions. While he said Hezbollah and its ally Amal have postponed street protests for now, he warned demonstrations could target the U.S. embassy if the plan advances, leaving little doubt the group is prepared to confront the government over control of its weapons.