Hezbollah’s senior lawmaker announced the group’s readiness to discuss Lebanon’s national defense strategy, potentially addressing the contentious issue of its weapons. This follows Lebanese President Aoun’s intent to create a roadmap for defense policies, signaling a shift in discourse around disarmament. President Aoun noted Hezbollah’s flexibility in these discussions, stressing the need for dialogue to ensure state sovereignty.
Senior Hezbollah lawmaker Hasan Fadlallah announced that the Shiite group is willing to engage in discussions regarding Lebanon’s national defense strategy. This dialogue could potentially address the significant issue of Hezbollah’s arsenal that remains outside state control. During a conference at the Lebanese Parliament, Fadlallah mentioned ongoing communications with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun about the matter.
Fadlallah asserted that Hezbollah maintains a unified stance on weapons management and the national defense strategy. He emphasized that the organization seeks to prioritize the cessation of aggression and the liberation of Lebanese territory. The lawmaker confirmed the group’s openness to dialogue and indicated that participation will depend on the finalization of a framework by President Aoun.
Following President Aoun’s announcement earlier this week, which indicated the presidency’s intention to draft a roadmap for a national defense policy, the prospect of discussions regarding Hezbollah’s weapons and military wing became more plausible. Fadlallah articulated Hezbollah’s commitment to construct a strategy that safeguards national sovereignty and expressed readiness to respond positively to all sincere invitations for dialogue.
In his remarks, President Aoun acknowledged Hezbollah’s demonstrated “great flexibility” in matters of disarmament during a meeting with parliamentarians. He reiterated the importance of resolving issues through communication and dialogue, underlining that Hezbollah is a legitimate Lebanese political entity. Moreover, he stressed that armed groups, including Hezbollah, should operate within the framework of the state.
The topic of Hezbollah’s disarmament has gained renewed attention following the tragic Israeli offensive in 2024, which resulted in over 4,000 casualties in Lebanon. Subsequent to the ceasefire in November, Lebanese authorities committed to ensuring that all armed groups fall under the control of the national army. Hezbollah uniquely retained its arms following the 1989 Taif Agreement, which concluded Lebanon’s civil war, arguing its military capacity is essential for defense against Israeli aggression, especially in southern regions.
Hezbollah, designated a terrorist organization by the United States, originated in the 1980s with Iranian support, becoming a significant resistance movement against Israeli occupation in Lebanon. Over time, it has developed into a dominant political and military force within the nation, often perceived as possessing more military strength than the Lebanese army. The tension between Hezbollah and Israel remains a longstanding issue, with significant escalations such as the 2006 Lebanon War and the recent 2024 conflict, which necessitated a ceasefire.
The willingness of Hezbollah to engage in dialogue regarding its weapons and national defense strategy marks a potential turning point in Lebanese politics. This initiative, supported by President Aoun’s acknowledgment of Hezbollah’s flexibility, aims to integrate all armed groups into a national framework. As Lebanon seeks to address its security challenges post-conflict, the remnant discourse around Hezbollah’s disarmament may decisively shape the country’s future stability and governance.
Original Source: efe.com
