Aoun Says Lebanon Committed to Implementing Reforms, Disarming Hezbollah

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun attends a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Friday, March 28, 2025. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool via AP)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun attends a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Friday, March 28, 2025. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool via AP)
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Aoun Says Lebanon Committed to Implementing Reforms, Disarming Hezbollah

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun attends a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Friday, March 28, 2025. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool via AP)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun attends a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Friday, March 28, 2025. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool via AP)

President Joseph Aoun has reiterated that Lebanon is committed to implementing reforms and to Hezbollah’s disarmament.

"Lebanon needs time and space to resolve these matters calmly," Aoun told a delegation from the American Task Force for Lebanon (ATFL) at Baabda Palace on Monday.

In response to a question about his vision for disarming Hezbollah, Aoun emphasized "the importance of resorting to dialogue," saying: "As I said in my inaugural speech, there is no place for any weapons or any armed groups except within the framework of the state. Matters are resolved through communication and dialogue, because, after all, Hezbollah is a Lebanese component."

"We will soon begin working on devising the national security strategy, from which the national defense strategy will emerge,” he added.

The President also affirmed Lebanon's full commitment to UN Resolution 1701, hailing UNIFIL's work in the South Litani sector.

He also pointed out to Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.

There has been several weeks of intensifying Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon targeting members of Hezbollah, including two strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, and rocket fire from Lebanon onto Israel. Hezbollah has denied any role in the rocket attacks.

The exchange of fire tested an already shaky ceasefire that ended a year-long war between Israel and Hezbollah, and calls for the disarmament of armed groups across Lebanon.

The ATFL delegation also visited on Monday Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who expressed views similar to Aoun.

Salam stressed the importance of implementing a reform plan and continuing efforts for the state to be the sole bearer of arms.



Israel Kills Syrian in Damascus Countryside, Detains Several

A large Syrian flag flutters above Tishreen Park in Damascus on June 4, 2025. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP)
A large Syrian flag flutters above Tishreen Park in Damascus on June 4, 2025. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP)
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Israel Kills Syrian in Damascus Countryside, Detains Several

A large Syrian flag flutters above Tishreen Park in Damascus on June 4, 2025. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP)
A large Syrian flag flutters above Tishreen Park in Damascus on June 4, 2025. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP)

Israeli forces conducted an operation in southern Syria to detain several members of Hamas, the military said Thursday. 

Syria TV, a local station, reported that a force of about 100 Israeli troops stormed the southern Syrian village of Beit Jin near the border with Lebanon and called the names of several people through loud speakers who were detained. Syria TV said one person was shot dead by the Israeli force. 

The Israeli military said that the detained people were Hamas members who were planning attacks against Israel, and that they were taken to Israel for questioning, adding that its forces also found weapons in the area. The detained people were not identified. 

Since the fall of President Bashar Assad ’s government in early December, Israeli forces have moved into several areas in southern Syria and conducted hundreds of airstrikes throughout the country, destroying much of the assets of the Syrian army. 

There was no immediate comment from Hamas or Syrian authorities. 

During a visit to France last month, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said that his country is holding indirect talks with Israel to prevent hostilities from getting out of control.