Hezbollah Engages in Dialogue on Lebanon’s National Defense Strategy

Hezbollah’s senior lawmaker Hasan Fadlallah announced the group’s openness to discussions about Lebanon’s national defense strategy, potentially addressing its weapons outside state control. President Aoun acknowledged Hezbollah’s flexibility regarding disarmament, emphasizing the need for dialogue to resolve conflicts. The backdrop of recent violence against Israel further elevates the urgency of establishing a coherent national defense policy.

In a notable development, senior Hezbollah lawmaker Hasan Fadlallah announced the group’s willingness to engage in dialogue concerning Lebanon’s national defense strategy. During a press conference at the Lebanese Parliament, Fadlallah emphasized the need to address Hezbollah’s longstanding arsenal that remains outside of state control, indicating a potentially significant shift in the group’s approach.

Fadlallah stated that Hezbollah is maintaining communication with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on the matter. He remarked, “Hezbollah’s position is unified regarding the handling of weapons and the defense strategy. Today’s priority is halting aggression and liberating our territory. We are ready for any dialogue on the national strategy,” illustrating the organization’s readiness to discuss these crucial defense issues.

Furthermore, Fadlallah pledged that Hezbollah would participate in discussions once President Aoun concludes the framework for the talks. He expressed, “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.”

These developments follow President Aoun’s announcement earlier in the week regarding the drafting of a roadmap for a national defense policy addressing Hezbollah’s arms and military wing. Aoun noted that Hezbollah is demonstrating considerable flexibility regarding disarmament in discussions with lawmakers.

President Aoun, speaking to parliamentarians, remarked on Hezbollah’s “great flexibility” regarding the weapons issue, as relayed by MP Sajih Attieh. Aoun stated, “There is no place for weapons or armed groups outside the framework of the state,” underscoring the necessity for resolution through dialogue and communication.

The resurgence of conversations regarding Hezbollah’s disarmament follows the traumatic Israeli offensive of 2024, which resulted in the loss of over 4,000 lives in Lebanon. Following a ceasefire in November, Lebanese officials have committed to integrating all armed factions under the national army’s command.

Since the 1989 Taif agreement that ended Lebanon’s civil war, Hezbollah has remained the only militia granted the liberty to retain arms, justifying its military capabilities as essential for defending against Israeli incursions, particularly in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah, once a resistance movement founded in the 1980s with Iranian support, has developed into a significant political and military entity, often perceived as stronger than the Lebanese army.

In conclusion, Hezbollah’s readiness to engage in dialogue concerning Lebanon’s national defense strategy signals a potential shift in the group’s longstanding stance on disarmament. With ongoing communications between Hezbollah and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, both parties express a commitment to addressing the concerns surrounding Hezbollah’s military assets. The recent context of heightened tensions with Israel further underscores the importance of establishing a national defense policy that consolidates armed forces under the state’s control.

Original Source: efe.com