Hezbollah leader says group ready for ‘costly’ war against Israel, U.S.

 Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem said on Thursday that the group would not disarm and was prepared for a "costly war" if necessary to counter Israeli and U.S. plans in the region.

“The Resistance will never surrender its weapons as long as occupation and aggression persist. If needed, we are ready for a costly war,” Qassem said.

He blamed the Lebanese government for instability and accused it of failing to protect the country and its people. He added that attempts to outlaw Hezbollah “have no legal basis,” as the group’s legitimacy “comes from blood, freedom, and the right of return.”

Qassem urged the army to stay out of internal disputes and said Hezbollah was prepared to mobilize mass protests, though the group had decided to delay them to allow for further consultations.