In a remarkable development that reflects accelerated regional changes, a senior Hezbollah official announced, in a special statement to “Reuters”, that the party is ready to discuss the issue of its weapon with the President of the Lebanese Republic, provided that Israel withdraws from five border points in the south and stopped its raids on Lebanese territory.
A change in the balance of power after the 2024 war
This statement comes in the shadow of a new reality imposed by the recent war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2024, during which the party incurred huge human and material losses, which included the killing of prominent leaders and thousands of fighters, and the destruction of large parts of its missile arsenal. The party also received a strategic blow after the fall of its Syrian ally Bashar al -Assad, which affected the supply lines from Iran.
President Aoun opens the door for dialogue
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who took office last January, announced his intention to impose state monopoly of weapons. According to political sources, the presidency intends to open a dialogue with Hezbollah in this regard, as part of a comprehensive strategy to disarm outside the state authority.
Gradually deliver the weapon and under conditions
Sources familiar with the party’s thinking said that the option to hand over some of the advanced weapons of the Lebanese army on the table, especially the north of the Litani River, and includes drones and anti -armor missiles. This comes in conjunction with the continued international pressure, especially from Washington, which demands the Lebanese army to implement the ceasefire agreement, which provides for the dismantling of unlicensed military installations and the confiscation of weapons south of Litani.
He refused to escalate and bet on the dialogue
On the other hand, the party’s deputy secretary -general, in a speech on March 29, stressed that the party does not keep a weapon in the south, stressing its commitment to the ceasefire, but he warned of other options if the Israeli attacks continue. He added that the party puts the ball in the Lebanese state stadium to force Israel to withdraw and stop its attacks.
Internal invitations and an upcoming time schedule
Inside the Lebanese, calls are increasing to determine a timetable for disarmament. Minister Kamal Shehadeh, from the Lebanese Forces Party, confirmed that disarmament should take place within six months, citing previous experiences after the civil war. The Maronite Patriarch Bishara Al -Ra’i also called for the restriction of weapons in the hands of the state, warning that “Lebanon does not tolerate a new war.”
The next stage: Between politics and diplomacy
With the opening of communication channels with the Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and the start of preparing for a wide political dialogue, it seems that Lebanon is close to a decisive entitlement in its history, Hezbollah may transfer from a military player to a political component subject to the state system, if the guarantees and conditions of calm are met.
