Lebanon has linked any move toward resolving the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons to Israel’s withdrawal from territories it still occupies in southern Lebanon and the return of Lebanese prisoners.
This position comes amid increasing diplomatic activity from Lebanese officials following a recent visit to Beirut by Morgan Ortagus, Deputy US Special Envoy to the Middle East, who urged Lebanese authorities to address the Hezbollah arms file swiftly.
A Lebanese ministerial source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the current priority is “Israel’s withdrawal from the points it still occupies in the south, the return of Lebanese prisoners, and resolving the 13 disputed land border points”—a file unresolved since 2006.
The source added: “If progress is made on this front—Israeli withdrawal and prisoner return—parallel discussions with Hezbollah about disarmament could begin,” though no specific mechanism for disarmament was outlined. “There must be a conducive atmosphere for dialogue, which cannot happen without Israeli withdrawal. That’s Lebanon’s priority,” the source said.
Israeli Withdrawal as a Condition
Hezbollah’s position aligns with that of the Lebanese state. Reuters quoted a senior Hezbollah official saying the group is willing to discuss the issue of its arms within the framework of a national defense strategy, but only after Israel withdraws from five locations in southern Lebanon and ceases its aggression against Lebanese civilians.
In parallel, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is expected to call for a cabinet session where Defense Minister Michel Mnassah will present a plan to assert full state sovereignty over Lebanese territory.
Hezbollah: Defense Regardless of the Mechanism
Hezbollah, in public statements, emphasizes “defending Lebanon from Israeli aggression regardless of the mechanism.” Hezbollah MP Ali Al-Moqdad told Asharq Al-Awsat: “We aim to protect Lebanon and defend it, and this is a national consensus,” stressing the need for collective cooperation in formulating a protective strategy.
Disarmament Mechanisms Under Discussion
Potential mechanisms for disarming Hezbollah include direct negotiations between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the party, or broader discussions of a national defense strategy. Most Lebanese political circles favor dialogue and mutual understanding, firmly ruling out the use of military force.
Army Commander General Rodolphe Haikal reportedly conveyed to Ortagus his refusal to disarm Hezbollah by force, citing the risk of a military confrontation. Ortagus, however, reportedly urged “gradual but practical steps” to disarm the group, emphasizing that the Lebanese Army must “accelerate and intensify operations” toward this goal.
US Pressure to Move Forward
Ortagus told Lebanese officials that resolving the arms issue is urgent and emphasized that weapons should be in the hands of the state alone. In a statement to local channel LBCI, she reiterated Washington’s position, saying that it is clear “Hezbollah must be disarmed, and it’s clear Israel won’t accept rockets being launched at its territory. That’s a position we understand.”
Possible Transfer of Heavy Weapons
According to Reuters, sources close to Hezbollah said the group is considering transferring its heavy weapons—including drones and anti-tank missiles—north of the Litani River to the Lebanese Army. These sources noted that Aoun believes the issue must be resolved through dialogue, warning that any attempt to forcibly disarm Hezbollah could lead to conflict.
