Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem reiterated that the resistance was not only linked to the liberation of the Shebaa Farms and the Kfar Shuba hills, but would remain to protect Lebanon and support its army. His comments raised criticism and talks about the fate of Lebanon’s defense strategy, a project that was long endorsed by different political forces. “Qassem’s statements came after Hezbollah watched the war in Gaza without moving a finger. This has stirred angry reactions among the movement’s supporters and within its ranks,” Political analyst and university professor Makram Rabah told Asharq Al-Awsat. He added that the recent comments were aimed at justifying the presence of Hezbollah’s weapons, knowing that the movement uses its arms abroad, and did not move them on the borders with occupied Palestine. Media and Communications official at the Lebanese Forces party Charles Jabbour said that the words of Hezbollah’s deputy chief reflected a “fait accompli policy” which has led Lebanon to the current situation of collapse. “Hezbollah’s weapons have been a controversial issue since 2005. Before that there was a dispute over the Syrian presence and between those who considered it legitimate and necessary, and those who viewed it as an occupation,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat. Jabbour continued: “After the liberation of southern Lebanon, the Lebanese were also divided between those who consider the party’s weapons necessary and those who believe they should be handed over to the Lebanese state. It is difficult to reach an understanding on this controversial issue… Everyone knows that Hezbollah’s military decision is in Tehran and not in the southern suburbs, and therefore this issue is decided by Iran.” He emphasized the Lebanese Forces’ stance that there could be no defense strategy outside the framework of the Lebanese army. Any other formula will be a deviation from the Taif Agreement and the Constitution, he noted. In a speech on the occasion of the Liberation Day, Qassem said: “Lebanon was liberated and this is a great achievement, but the resistance must continue, not only for the Shebaa Farms and the Kfar Shuba hills, but also to protect Lebanon from Israeli threats.” “Had it not been for the trilogy of the army, the people and the resistance, Israel would have occupied Lebanon again, killed those who opposed to it, and destroyed homes and villages…” Qassem warned.