Aoun says only qualified Hezbollah fighters may join army ranks

President Joseph Aoun declared that 2025 will mark a turning point for Lebanon, as efforts intensify to ensure that all weapons in the country are held solely by the state. He emphasized that Hezbollah would not be drawn into another conflict, signaling a shift toward integrating its fighters within the framework of state institutions.

In an interview with Qatar’s al-Arabi al-Jadeed ahead of his official trip to Doha, Aoun outlined a future vision where qualified Hezbollah members could join the Lebanese Army—but only individually and based on merit. He made clear that Lebanon would not follow Iraq’s path of establishing separate armed units like the Popular Mobilization Forces.

Only those Hezbollah members who meet academic and professional criteria and successfully pass entrance exams would be considered for integration into the military, he said, dismissing the possibility of incorporating entire units.

Addressing international concerns—particularly from the United States—about Hezbollah’s weapons, Aoun said he assured U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus that Lebanon is committed to preserving internal peace and avoiding civil strife. He urged Washington to press Israel to cease its military actions in Lebanon and allow Beirut to address the arms issue domestically.

Aoun concluded by saying that the Lebanese state is committed to resolving the matter of arms through dialogue. He pointed to shifting regional dynamics—such as developments in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq—as factors that could support meaningful negotiations with Hezbollah.