Nasrallah: Iran arming Hezbollah unconditionally

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday said the Shi'ite militia receives weapons from Iran 'unconditionally' and blasted Arab governments for their unwillingness to supply Lebanon with weaponry.

Nasrallah's remarks were part of a speech broadcast on Al-Manar television Friday, in which he rebuffed calls for the Shi'ite militia to disarm and hand over their weapons to the Lebanese Army, saying such a move would hamper Lebanon's ability to protect itself from Israel.

Nasrallah also criticized Lebanon's military and political leaders for what he called insufficient efforts to prepare Lebanon in the face of Israeli threats.

Nasrallah also said that though a future war with Israel cannot be ruled out entirely, the likelihood is slim, adding that Israel would prefer instead to pursue a policy of assassination against Hezbollah officials.

The Hezbollah leader also vowed to help strengthen the Lebanese army if the opposition wins next week's national election.

Nasrallah's speech came at a celebration to mark nine years since the Israel Defense Forces' withdrawal from southern Lebanon.