Discontent Echoes in Shia Circles Over Naim Qassem’s Reckless Speech

An-Nahar has learned that deep resentment and discontent have emerged within influential Lebanese Shia circles on Sunday night. The backlash follows statements characterized by crude recklessness made during a televised speech by Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, particularly his direct incitement to overthrow the Lebanese government through street protests.
According to political observers, these aggressive stances found no justification among regional allies, especially since they provoked an immediate, unprecedented rebuke from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The swift diplomatic clash signals further emotional volatility within Hezbollah’s leadership, directly contradicting the calculated policies the group continuously attempts to market to the public.
Marco Rubio Fires Back at Hezbollah’s Threats
Following Qassem’s threats on Sunday to topple the Lebanese government, Secretary Rubio issued a sharp condemnation, stating: “We strongly condemn Hezbollah’s reckless call to overthrow the democratically elected government of Lebanon.”
Rubio added that “Hezbollah has consistently ignored the Lebanese government’s repeated appeals to respect the active ceasefire agreement,” noting that “the group has continued to fire upon Israeli positions and systematically transport militants back into southern Lebanon.”
What Did Naim Qassem Say?
Earlier on Sunday, the Hezbollah leader launched a fierce rhetorical attack on state institutions, declaring: “If this government is incapable of protecting Lebanese sovereignty, then it must depart.”
Qassem also focused heavily on the economic infrastructure of the group, stating: “Al-Qard Al-Hassan is an independent social institution that provides vital financial services to the people. Any aggression against this association is a direct assault on hundreds of thousands of impoverished individuals and low-income families.”
He concluded with an explicit call to mass mobilization: “The Lebanese people have every right to take to the streets, to overthrow this government, and to resist this joint Israeli-American project with all the power they possess.”