Hezbollah MP denies arms smuggling via Beirut Port, blasts government priorities

Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah has firmly rejected allegations that the group is smuggling weapons through Beirut’s port, labeling such claims as baseless fabrications. These accusations surfaced following reports from a Western security source, as cited by Al-Arabiya television, suggesting that Hezbollah had reasserted control over the port post the 2020 explosion and was facilitating the entry of arms and funds through this channel. Fadlallah dismissed these assertions as “lies,” emphasizing the group’s commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Government’s Stance on National Defense

In parallel, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has underscored the necessity of extending the state’s authority across all Lebanese territories and ensuring the state’s exclusive control over decisions of war and peace. He articulated this position during a parliamentary address, highlighting the government’s dedication to deploying the Lebanese Army along the nation’s borders and upholding Lebanon’s right to self-defense against any aggression.

Fadlallah further stressed that the government’s primary concern should be addressing Israeli violations and determining effective strategies to counteract them within a comprehensive national framework. He criticized certain factions for diverting attention from these pressing issues by adhering to external directives, which, according to him, could lead the country into disorder.