A man in Tyre, southern Lebanon, flashes a victory sign while holding a Hezbollah flag on the second day of the ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed group, Hezbollah, on November 28, 2024. REUTERS
Hezbollah says it is ready to talk about its weapons. A senior official from the group said they can discuss the issue with the Lebanese president. But this will happen only if Israel pulls its troops from southern Lebanon and stops attacking.
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun plans to start talks soon. He said when he took office that he wants only the state to control weapons. Political sources in Lebanon confirmed that the president is preparing to meet with Hezbollah.
Calls for Hezbollah to give up its weapons have grown. This comes after their fight with Israel in 2024. The group lost many fighters and leaders. A large part of its rocket supply was also destroyed.
The senior Hezbollah leader said they are open to a deal. But only if Israel leaves five key hilltop areas in south Lebanon. He said, “Hezbollah is ready to discuss the matter of its arms if Israel withdraws from the five points, and halts its aggression against Lebanese.”
This is the first time the group’s leadership has said they are open to such talks. Neither Hezbollah’s media office nor the Lebanese presidency has made any public comment yet.
Israeli troops entered south Lebanon during the conflict. While most troops have left, Israel still holds five positions. Israel said it will leave these spots when security improves.
Since a ceasefire in November, Israel has continued airstrikes. The U.S. is also pushing Hezbollah to disarm. Talks between the U.S. and Iran, who backs Hezbollah, may also affect the outcome.
Hezbollah is one of the strongest groups supported by Iran. But their supply routes through Syria were cut after former Syrian President Assad was removed.
A few days ago, other Iran-backed groups in Iraq said they may disarm. This may be an effort to avoid more clashes with the U.S.
Hezbollah has always said its weapons are needed to defend Lebanon from Israel. In 2008, its weapons caused a small civil war in the country. Critics say Hezbollah drags Lebanon into conflicts. They also argue that weapons outside government control weaken the state.
As part of the ceasefire with Israel, the Lebanese army must remove all unauthorized weapons. The plan starts in areas south of the Litani River.
Two sources said Hezbollah may give some powerful weapons to the army. These include drones and anti-tank missiles, but only from areas north of the Litani.
President Aoun said talks are the only way to deal with Hezbollah’s weapons. He warned that trying to disarm the group by force could lead to more fighting.
Lebanon’s top Christian leader said weapons must be under state control. But he added it must happen slowly and with care.
Talks are happening with key figures, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a close ally of Hezbollah. U.S. officials also met with Lebanese leaders recently. One U.S. envoy said Hezbollah must disarm soon, and the Lebanese army should lead this effort.
Some ministers in Lebanon want a timeline for disarmament. They say it should take no more than six months.
The recent fighting started when Hezbollah backed Hamas in October 2023. Hezbollah says it left the south and followed the ceasefire. But Israel claims the group still has weapons in the area.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said the group still supports diplomacy. But he warned that if Israel keeps attacking, the group is ready to act.
