Lebanon: Hezbollah signals readiness to disarm but says Israeli occupation must be confronted

As Lebanon prepares the groundwork for a national dialogue regarding the state's monopoly over arms, Hezbollah has declared its readiness to participate—while laying down firm conditions. Chief among them is the prioritisation of confronting Israeli aggression and liberating occupied Lebanese territory. The group emphasised that the Lebanese government must uphold its commitments as outlined in its ministerial statement, including taking all necessary steps to reclaim occupied land and transparently updating the public on its efforts.

In a press conference held on Thursday, MP Hassan Fadlallah of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc Loyalty to the Resistance said: “Our priority now is to confront aggression and liberate our land. We are ready and willing to engage in any dialogue over a national defence strategy—this is not a new position.” He underscored that “the government must face this reality head-on. Since the ceasefire agreement on 28 November [2024], 186 Lebanese citizens have been killed by the Israeli enemy, up to 7 April [2025].”

Fadlallah emphasised that Hezbollah maintains regular contact with Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun. “When he calls for dialogue and defines its structure, approach, and national foundations, we are ready to participate,” he said. “Hezbollah took part in the first dialogue of this kind in 2006 and in subsequent Baabda [Presidential Palace] talks. The dangers threatening our country require the highest level of national responsibility. We must harness our sources of strength as part of a consensual national defence strategy. We’ve always been among the first to respond to calls for dialogue and have participated in every round.”

Fadlallah also accused the Israeli army of committing war crimes against unarmed civilians in full view of the United Nations and the Lebanese state. “They have bulldozed entire villages—stones, trees, infrastructure—and continue to occupy Lebanese land. Every grain of our soil is sacred, soaked in the blood of our martyrs, and must be liberated,” he said.

He further accused the Israeli army of detaining Lebanese citizens, including individuals abducted after the ceasefire. “This is an act of aggression that requires a national response at every level. The Lebanese government is responsible for mobilising all official efforts to put an end to these violations, including taking legal action in international forums,” he said.

Fadlallah referenced the Lebanese Army’s position that its inability to deploy fully to the border is due to the ongoing occupation. “We are now in a phase where both the political and field realities are clear. The state, which assumed responsibility for the area south of the Litani, must take appropriate action,” he said.

He noted that residents of south Lebanon have long demanded that the state fulfil its responsibilities to protect and serve them. “Unfortunately, the state has not lived up to their expectations. This has been the demand of the south’s residents since 1948. The longer it delays, the wider the gap grows,” he said, adding that the resistance predates Hezbollah, born out of the state’s longstanding neglect of the south.

Accordingly, Fadlallah reiterated that the main issue facing Lebanon was the ongoing occupation and violations of its sovereignty. “Addressing this requires the unified effort of sincere national actors. We are fully prepared to engage in dialogue to reach a national defence strategy that protects our sovereignty,” he said.

“We welcome every sincere and serious call with open arms and an open mind. Our priority remains a Lebanon that is free, protected, and strong—preserving the achievements of the resistance. We seek a just and capable state, governed by the constitution and the rule of law, one that undertakes genuine reforms in the national interest and is not beholden to any foreign power.”

He warned against foreign interference, particularly by U.S. diplomats. “We reject any attempts to undermine our territory, civil peace, or coexistence. No foreign embassy or American official has the right to interfere in the work of ministries or state institutions,” he said.

Fadlallah also accused domestic actors of undermining Lebanon’s foundational principles of diversity and partnership. “Some are attacking the unity of state institutions, including the Cabinet, and launching campaigns against the presidency and those who call for dialogue. These efforts are aimed at dragging the country into confrontation, chaos, and internal conflict, in line with foreign agendas that serve the enemy—not Lebanon’s national interest. They have learned nothing from fifty years of civil war,” he said.

On a separate note, Fadlallah categorically denied allegations of weapons being smuggled through the Port of Beirut. “State institutions have confirmed these claims are false. We call on the judiciary to take legal action against those spreading these lies,” he said.

He also called on the judiciary to act swiftly against anyone inciting the enemy against the Lebanese people, fuelling sectarian tensions, or threatening civil peace. “From our positions in parliament, government, and the street, we strive to build a functioning state. We are an integral component of this state and operate under its constitution and laws to help it rise on solid national foundations,” he said.

High-Level Discussions on Hezbollah’s Arms Underway

In related developments, official Lebanese sources told The New Arab that discussions on Hezbollah’s weapons and those of other armed groups will begin soon. “There will be no stalling or delay—dialogue is essential to this issue. It will be conducted within the framework of a national security strategy. There is no way around it,” one source said.

The sources confirmed that the matter is already being intensively discussed at the highest levels of government, including among the three presidencies. “The issue will also be brought before the Cabinet. The state has made commitments and intends to honour them.”

They added that dialogue remains the primary path forward in addressing the state’s exclusive right to bear arms. “This process may take time. But in the meantime, daily Israeli violations of Lebanese territory cannot be tolerated. The priority must be to stop the aggression and ensure a full withdrawal of occupation forces. Only then can the Lebanese Army deploy across the entire border and resume its vital role in enforcing the ceasefire agreement and UN Resolution 1701.”

On Thursday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun was quoted as saying that Hezbollah has demonstrated “considerable flexibility and openness” regarding cooperation on the weapons issue, within the framework of a defined timeline. He expressed optimism that the party’s positive stance should be met with reciprocal goodwill and an understanding of the new realities facing the country.

The remarks were conveyed by MP Sajih Atiyeh, who visited Baabda Palace earlier today with a delegation from the National Moderation Bloc. The meeting covered a range of development issues concerning the Akkar and North Lebanon regions, including the rehabilitation of three border crossings destroyed by Israel in its most recent assault on Lebanon, as well as a number of political and economic matters.

President Aoun affirmed that municipal elections will take place as scheduled, and praised the close cooperation with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. He highlighted the unprecedented level of coordination and alignment on appointments, legislation, and decrees, describing it as a model of partnership not previously seen in Lebanese governance.

He revealed that the government had made significant progress on numerous files within just six weeks and expressed strong optimism about resolving several political and economic challenges.

In his meetings today, Aoun reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding the state and restoring public trust in its institutions, as well as re-establishing confidence among Arab and international partners.

He also discussed the achievements of the current government and stressed the importance of the banking secrecy law in restoring trust in Lebanon’s financial institutions, helping the country transition away from a cash-based economy, and advancing vital economic reforms. He called for the swift passage of the law in Parliament, describing it as one of three key reforms demanded by the International Monetary Fund.

Aoun noted that upcoming appointments to the Council for Development and Reconstruction would be based strictly on merit, and confirmed that he had already signed off on appointments to the Higher Judicial Council that adhered to this same standard. He assured that the government would address all pending matters that require action so that Lebanon can embark on a path toward recovery.