Hezbollah Signals Willingness to Go Far on Arms Handover

A source familiar with Hezbollah’s internal discussions has indicated that the group is prepared to seriously engage in the issue of relinquishing its arsenal to the Lebanese state, signaling a potential turning point in the country’s longstanding internal debate over non-state arms.

According to remarks shared with Al-Hadath, a broadcaster affiliated with Al-Arabiya, the source said that discussions between Hezbollah and President Joseph Aoun have expanded beyond the matter of arms. While no specific timeline or formal negotiation schedule has been disclosed, the source emphasized that ongoing dialogue is taking place without publicly imposed deadlines.

Conditional Willingness to Disarm

The possibility of handing over its weapons, the source explained, is not ruled out by Hezbollah. However, any such move would be contingent on receiving guarantees or concessions in return. Among the conditions reportedly being considered are the full withdrawal of Israeli forces and the initiation of large-scale reconstruction efforts in affected Lebanese areas.

Hezbollah’s openness to negotiation does not reflect an intention to give up its arms without reciprocation. The group is said to be evaluating the current relevance of its long-standing slogans and missions that once necessitated its armed role in Lebanon. With those justifications now seen as diminished, Hezbollah is reportedly willing to explore solutions concerning its more powerful and strategic weapons.

Mutual Understanding with the Presidency

The source further stated that President Aoun is fully aware of Hezbollah’s apprehensions about the consequences of disarmament. In turn, Hezbollah recognizes the intensity of international diplomatic pressure being applied to the Lebanese government regarding the issue. This mutual awareness has fostered a cooperative dynamic in which both parties are working to identify paths that could resolve tensions and address national and regional security concerns.

While the potential for disarmament remains conditional and undefined in terms of implementation, the tone of the discussions suggests a shift in Hezbollah’s strategic positioning and an effort to recalibrate its role within Lebanon’s political and security framework. The evolving dialogue reflects an attempt by both the Lebanese state and Hezbollah to navigate domestic stability and respond to persistent international scrutiny.