Lebanese president pledges to disarm Hezbollah, calls for constructive dialogue

Lebanese president pledges to disarm Hezbollah, calls for constructive dialogue
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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called for the disarmament of Hezbollah and the extension of state authority over all Lebanese territory in a speech on Army Day, Arab News reported. Emphasizing national resilience, Aoun urged reliance solely on the Lebanese state to prevent collapse amid ongoing economic and political crises.

Aoun revealed Lebanon has amended US-backed proposals on Hezbollah’s disarmament, to be presented to the Cabinet next week as part of the November 2024 ceasefire implementation with Israel. Lebanon demands an immediate Israeli withdrawal, prisoner releases, and full state control in exchange for armed groups’ disarmament.

He announced plans to deploy over 4,500 troops south of the Litani River, despite Israel maintaining control over five strategic positions. Aoun stressed unity behind the Lebanese Armed Forces as the only guarantor of national security.

Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem rejected disarmament talks, calling the arsenal non-negotiable. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reaffirmed government commitment to state monopoly on arms, supported by all parliamentary blocs.

Aoun also welcomed Saudi efforts to stabilize the Lebanese-Syrian border and emphasized Lebanon’s commitment to rebuilding state institutions and national unity.