Hezbollah has softened its confrontational tone toward Lebanon’s president and government, without showing clear flexibility on the issue of the state's decision to impose monopoly over arms.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem said the party is ready “to discuss how to confront the enemy [Israel] with those who believe in resistance,” while reaffirming its ability to “inflict pain on the enemy” in any potential future confrontation.
His made his remarks as Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated that there will be “no turning back from extending the authority of the law and implementing monopoly over weapons,” stressing that the process would be carried out “with rationality, realism, and responsibility.”
This marks Hezbollah’s first adjustment in tone since it launched a political campaign against the government’s decision to move forward with enforcing the state’s monopoly on arms, including the second phase of the plan that covers regions north of the Litani River.
The Iran-backed party had in recent weeks intensified its criticism of Aoun and the government over the disarmament plan even as Lebanese authorities were working to mobilize international support for the army ahead of a donor conference hosted by Paris on March 5.
Meanwhile, Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal was in the United States where he held talks at the Pentagon with senior military officials, including Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, and Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs and Acting Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency Daniel Zimmerman.
The discussions focus on military assistance programs and logistical support for the Lebanese army.
Commitment to pledges
On Tuesday, Aoun reiterated his insistence on implementing the weapons monopoly plan, telling a delegation from the Sovereignty Front that the process is being carried out with realism and restraint.
He said the return of international confidence in Lebanon and renewed foreign support are a natural result of efforts to rebuild the state on firm foundations, particularly by enforcing the rule of law and restricting arms to the state.
“These are two matters from which there can be no retreat, regardless of considerations,” Aoun stated, adding that he remains committed to the pledges made in his inaugural address, which received broad domestic and international backing and placed a heavy responsibility on him to remain faithful to them.
Aoun also stressed that he continues to work with all parties to prevent Lebanon from being dragged into a new war.
The Lebanese people, he said, can no longer endure further conflicts, while international conditions require a realistic approach to safeguarding the country and its citizens. He warned that any major danger would affect all Lebanese, not just one group.
Qassem
Despite Lebanon’s insistence on enforcing monopoly over weapons, Hezbollah appeared to step back from its earlier escalation.
Qassem said Lebanon is no longer required to take any further steps under the ceasefire agreement signed in November 2024, calling on the five-member monitoring committee to pressure Israel, rather than Lebanon, to implement the deal.
In a televised address on Tuesday, he said: “We are defending our land, our rights, and our existence against an enemy that wants to eliminate us.”
“When the enemy cannot target fighters, it targets civilians, homes, and municipalities. We must say ‘no’ to the enemy and refuse to surrender.”
Turning to the Lebanese authorities, he said: "Explain to delegations that you cannot pressure the people because they have offered countless martyrs and wounded for the nation."
Qassem said that demands have been made of Hezbollah, "while nothing has been demanded of Israel."
"To those threatening us that the enemy can hurt us, we say we too can harm the enemy, but everything will happen in its own time," he warned.
