MP Asserts Hezbollah Armament is Domestic Issue Amid US Disarmament Pressure
A representative from Lebanon's Hezbollah movement has declared that the group's arsenal is an "internal matter," in response to increasing pressure from the United States for Lebanon to disarm the resistance organization.
Ihab Hamadeh, speaking with Al Araby Television Network on Wednesday, reaffirmed that the matter concerning the weapons of the Lebanese resistance is solely an internal matter to be negotiated with the Lebanese government within the framework of a “defensive strategy.”
He emphasized that the topic of weaponry is strictly an internal affair, expressing readiness to engage in discussions as part of a defensive strategy to safeguard Lebanon’s security. He reiterated that this matter is intrinsically Lebanese and does not pertain to any external influences.
In response to claims reported by Reuters, referencing a senior Hezbollah official, it was indicated that Hezbollah is open to discussing the future of its arsenal if Israel ceases its aggressive actions and withdraws from the remaining territories it occupies in southern Lebanon.
Hamadeh asserted that Hezbollah lacks external sources, emphasizing that official statements are delivered solely through formal channels. He underscored that the situation is an internal Lebanese matter, unrelated to any outside influence.
A Hezbollah lawmaker reaffirmed the organization’s willingness to participate in discussions to safeguard Lebanon, emphasizing that this position has consistently been echoed in official government communications.
In a statement, Hamadeh emphasized that the occupying regime has breached the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon on over 3,000 occasions. He reiterated Hezbollah’s willingness to engage in discussions on a defensive strategy aimed at safeguarding Lebanon, contingent upon addressing essential conditions and specifics, while securing the confidence of the Lebanese populace.
The stipulations call for a cessation of the current Israeli breaches of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement, grounded in UN Resolution 1701. This resolution necessitates the withdrawal of Hezbollah from north of the Litani River and dictates that the area should be exclusively patrolled by the Lebanese army.
Amid ongoing military tensions, Israel maintains its presence at five border sites and carries out lethal airstrikes, alleging Hezbollah’s non-compliance and criticizing the Lebanese army for inadequate enforcement measures.
Washington continues its efforts to pressure Lebanon into disarming Hezbollah. Last week, U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus made a striking comparison, describing the group as a “cancer” that needs to be completely eradicated.
Hezbollah representatives, among them Sheikh Naim Qassem, the organization’s secretary-general, assert their unwavering commitment to resistance. They emphasize that while diplomacy is still a viable option, the group will not remain idle should Israeli infractions continue and the Lebanese government’s response remain inadequate.
Qassem issued a stark warning earlier this month, stating that if Israel does not adhere to compliance and the state fails to take the necessary actions, alternative measures may be inevitable. He emphasized that should Israeli operations be reduced to mere acts of killing, destruction, and occupation, remaining passive observers would not be an option. His comments followed a deadly Israeli strike on the southern suburb of Beirut.
Lebanon has issued a strong condemnation of the ongoing presence of Israeli military forces, characterizing it as a breach of the ceasefire agreement and the agreed-upon withdrawal timeline. High-ranking officials in Beirut have pledged to undertake “all necessary measures” to expel the occupying troops from their territory.
