Hezbollah’s Hasan Fadlallah announced readiness for talks on Lebanon’s national defense strategy, signaling a potential shift regarding its arsenal. President Aoun noted Hezbollah’s flexibility on disarmament. This development follows significant conflict and aims to integrate armed entities under national control, prioritizing Lebanon’s sovereignty.
On Thursday, Hezbollah official Hasan Fadlallah announced that the organization is open to discussions regarding Lebanon’s national defense strategy. This willingness may signify a major change towards addressing the control of Hezbollah’s military arsenal, which operates outside state authority. Fadlallah indicated that dialogue is ongoing with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on this matter, emphasizing that halting aggression and liberating Lebanese territory are current priorities.
Fadlallah expressed that once President Aoun establishes the framework for these talks, Hezbollah is prepared to engage in discussions aimed at formulating a national defense strategy that safeguards Lebanon’s sovereignty. He stated, “We’ve expressed full readiness for a dialogue that would lead to a national defense strategy that protects sovereignty. We approach all sincere and enthusiastic invitations to dialogue with an open hand and mind.”
President Aoun also noted Hezbollah’s newfound flexibility concerning disarmament. During a meeting with parliamentarians, Aoun observed that Hezbollah demonstrated “great flexibility” in cooperating on the weapons issue, implying a potential shift in the organization’s stance based on a specific timeline. Aoun reaffirmed that Hezbollah is a critical component of Lebanon’s political landscape and reiterated a key policy goal: the necessity to confine armed groups within the state’s framework.
The discourse around Hezbollah’s disarmament has gained momentum, particularly following the severe consequences of the 2024 Israeli offensive that resulted in significant casualties. After the ceasefire in November 2024, Lebanese authorities pledged to integrate all armed entities under the national army’s command, a move that could redefine Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon.
Hezbollah stands as the only armed group that maintained its weapons following the 1989 Taif Agreement, which ended the prolonged civil war. The organization defends its military capabilities as essential for protection against Israeli threats. Relations between Hezbollah and Israel have historically been marked by contention, with conflicts often flaring, such as during the notable 2006 Lebanon War and more recently in the 2024 escalation, necessitating renewed dialogue on the issue.
In conclusion, Hezbollah’s readiness to engage in dialogue about Lebanon’s national defense strategy and President Aoun’s acknowledgment of the group’s flexibility indicate a potential turning point in addressing the status of Hezbollah’s arms. This development, particularly after recent conflicts, may pave the way for a more unified national defense framework, reflecting Lebanon’s aspirations for sovereignty and security.
Original Source: efe.com
