Hezbollah ready to disarm if Israel withdraws from Lebanese territory

The Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah has expressed its readiness to hand over its arsenal, including heavy weaponry, to the Lebanese Armed Forces, on the condition that Israel fully withdraws from Lebanese territory.

Hezbollah has agreed to a proposal by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun for a phased disarmament process and the repositioning of its fighters to the north of the Litani River, Caliber.Az cites Al Hadath. 

In exchange, Hezbollah is demanding the full retreat of Israeli forces to the internationally recognised borders between Lebanon and Israel, as well as firm non-aggression guarantees from the Israeli side.

On June 30, Hezbollah secretary general, Naim Qassem, reiterated Hezbollah's resistance to US and Israeli pressure and urged other Lebanese to do the same.

"We have the right to say 'no' to them, 'no' to America, 'no' to Israel," Qassem said. "We call on you in Lebanon: do not help Israel and America with their plans."

By Sabina Mammadli