Ankara: Beirut: Lebanon's justice minister has issued a stark warning to Hezbollah, stating that the group would be choosing 'suicide' if it continues to refuse disarmament. Minister Adel Nassar emphasized that Hezbollah will not be allowed to bring the country down with it.
According to Anadolu Agency, Nassar made his remarks on X, just days before a crucial Cabinet session aimed at discussing state sovereignty and the limitation of arms to official security forces across Lebanese territory. He stressed that no country can thrive when weapons exist beyond the control of the state, asserting that these illegal weapons have become a significant threat to Lebanon's internal stability.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reinforced this stance, stating that the government will persist in its discussions about ensuring 'exclusive sovereignty over all Lebanese territory by the state's own forces,' hinting at Hezbollah's disarmament. Despite this, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem declared that the group will not lay down its arms, emphasizing that disarmament is not a priority compared to reconstruction and ending external aggression.
President Joseph Aoun has disclosed that the US has submitted proposals regarding weapons control, which Lebanon has modified and will present to the Cabinet. Aoun reiterated Lebanon's demands for an end to Israeli attacks, withdrawal from occupied territories, and the disarmament of all armed factions.
Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal has identified the continued Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon as the primary obstacle to deploying Lebanese military units in the area. This comes in the wake of a military offensive by Israel that escalated into a full-scale war, resulting in significant casualties and injuries before a ceasefire was reached. Despite the truce, Israel still maintains a military presence at five border outposts, having extended its withdrawal deadline.
The situation remains tense as both internal and external pressures continue to shape Lebanon's security and sovereignty landscape.