Lebanese president: Disarmament of Hezbollah to happen through dialogue, not “force”

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has said that the decision to limit weapons to the state from Hezbollah had been made, and its implementation would occur through dialogue, not "force".

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Aoun said the disarmament of the Hezbollah group will be carried out through negotiations within the framework of a national defense strategy, not by “force.”

He noted that the Lebanese government has decided that “weapons should be in the hands of the state only,” but “discussions are ongoing on how to implement this decision.”

According to him, these discussions are being conducted in the form of a “bilateral dialogue” between the president and Hezbollah.

The United States is pressuring Lebanon to speed up Hezbollah’s disarmament, but there are fears in Lebanon that rushing this issue could lead to civil conflict.

“Civil peace is a red line for me,” Aoun said.

Aoun stated that the Lebanese army, which he previously commanded, is “fulfilling its duty” by confiscating weapons and dismantling unauthorized military facilities in southern Lebanon, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement that ended the last war between Israel and Hezbollah in late November—and sometimes in areas further north.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has echoed this sentiment, stating that disarming Hezbollah necessitates a "national consensus." He emphasized the importance of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) being the sole authority on the ground, with the army tasked with dismantling unauthorized military facilities, particularly in southern Lebanon, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement with Israel. ​

Hezbollah has shown a conditional willingness to engage in discussions about disarmament. A senior official indicated that the group is open to dialogue if Israel withdraws from five disputed hilltops in southern Lebanon and ceases military strikes. This marks a notable shift, as Hezbollah has historically resisted disarmament, citing its role in defending Lebanon.  

The United States continues to pressure Lebanon for Hezbollah's disarmament, while Germany has called for both Hezbollah's disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, advocating for the implementation of UN Resolution 1701 to ensure regional stability. ​

By Khagan Isayev