Aoun Declares Irreversible Decision on Arms Monopoly

President Joseph Aoun has reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to centralizing control over the country’s weaponry, declaring on Friday that the state’s monopoly on arms is a settled matter. He also praised Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for his role in promoting national stability and backing efforts to restore full state authority.

A Firm Stance on State Sovereignty

Speaking to visitors, Aoun underscored that the Lebanese state alone should have the final say on military matters. “The decisions of war and peace fall under Cabinet’s jurisdiction,” he emphasized, calling for political cohesion across the country. He made clear that while Lebanon seeks peace with Israel, it does not intend to pursue formal normalization, noting, “Peace is the absence of war. That’s what Lebanon needs now.”

Aoun stressed that Berri had played a vital role in reinforcing the authority of the Lebanese state, especially with regard to unifying control over the use of force. The issue of arms, he said, was not just a matter of defense, but of national sovereignty and stability.

Hezbollah’s Position and Israeli Tensions

While Hezbollah has agreed to remove its armed units from Lebanon’s border with Israel, the group has refused to fully disarm across the rest of the country. Their position is contingent on Israel withdrawing from five disputed frontier points and ending its frequent airstrikes on Lebanese territory.

Despite its military strength and political influence, Hezbollah remains the only militia in Lebanon that has retained its arsenal since the end of the civil war in 1990. Initially justified by the Israeli occupation of parts of southern Lebanon, the group’s continued armament has become a central point of contention both domestically and internationally.

In recent months, Hezbollah’s capabilities have been weakened following an escalation in hostilities with Israel, culminating in a two-month conflict in September. These clashes have renewed international calls for disarmament and drawn scrutiny from the United States.

Diplomatic Push and U.S. Involvement

U.S. envoy Tom Barrack visited Beirut earlier this week and met with Lebanese leaders to press for Hezbollah’s disarmament. According to Aoun, Washington received Lebanon’s official response to the proposal within the past few days, although the content of that response was not disclosed.

Aoun reiterated Lebanon’s intent to assert full control over national arms but hinted that the process would be managed carefully. “The implementation of this move will take into account the interest of the state and its security stability,” he said, suggesting that Hezbollah’s disarmament would be approached diplomatically, not through coercion.

This approach reflects a recognition of Hezbollah’s entrenched position in Lebanese politics, and the need to preserve civil peace and national unity while addressing international concerns.