Fadlallah: No place in dialogue for those who don’t see Israel as enemy

Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah stated on Monday that the group would not enter into any dialogue over its weapons with those who do not view Israel as a hostile entity. His comments came in response to renewed calls from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who once again urged Hezbollah to lay down its arms, emphasizing that disarmament should come through dialogue rather than force. Aoun has previously acknowledged Hezbollah’s cooperation and flexibility in discussions about its arsenal.

While Hezbollah has expressed openness to discussing its weapons as part of a broader national defense strategy, the group insists that such talks must wait until Israel fully withdraws from southern Lebanon and ceases its military actions and air violations.

Fadlallah dismissed any possibility of negotiation with individuals he accused of defending or justifying Israeli actions, saying they have lost all credibility and sense of national duty. He also blamed the United States for leading what he described as a political offensive against the resistance movement.

Fadlallah highlighted the extensive efforts made by Hezbollah to rebuild areas in southern Lebanon that were damaged during over a year of conflict with Israel. According to him, nearly 80 percent of shelter and restoration work has been completed, despite various obstacles. He urged the Lebanese state to actively participate in restoring civilian infrastructure and housing in affected regions.

This comes in the context of comments made by Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, who revealed that U.S. officials, including Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus, made it clear that international support for Lebanon’s reconstruction hinges on Hezbollah’s disarmament. Fadlallah strongly rejected such conditions, asserting that the rebuilding of Lebanon should not be tied to political or military concessions.