Hezbollah open to disarmament talks if Israel ceases attacks, withdraws

Hezbollah has indicated it might consider disarming if Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon and ceases its attacks, according to recent reports.

As calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament in Lebanon intensify, a senior Hezbollah official told Reuters that the organization is ready to discuss disarmament with the Lebanese President if Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon and halts its attacks.

Three Lebanese political sources noted that US-backed President Joseph Aoun pledged to ensure full state control of weapons when he assumed office in January and plans to begin discussions with Hezbollah on this matter soon.

Discussions about disarmament have gained momentum following last year’s conflict with Israel and the shifting power dynamics resulting from the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a key ally of Hezbollah.

According to Reuters, “Hezbollah was significantly weakened in the 2024 conflict with Israel; it lost senior leaders and thousands of fighters, and a large portion of its rocket arsenal was destroyed.” The report summarized the situation as follows:

A senior Hezbollah official stated that the organization is prepared to discuss its weapons within the context of a national defense strategy, contingent on Israel withdrawing its forces from five points in southern Lebanon.

The official told Reuters, “If Israel withdraws from the five points and ceases its attacks on Lebanon, Hezbollah is ready to discuss disarmament.”

During the war, Israel conducted a ground invasion of southern Lebanon and largely withdrew after a ceasefire. However, in February, Israel decided not to abandon five strategic points, stating it would hand over these positions to Lebanese forces once the security situation allowed.

Despite a ceasefire in effect since November, Israeli airstrikes continue to exert pressure on Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Washington demands Hezbollah’s disarmament and is preparing for nuclear negotiations with Iran.

Hezbollah has been regarded as Iran’s most powerful armed group in the region, but the ousting of Assad has disrupted its supply lines to Iran.

Reuters reported on Monday that some Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq are considering disarming for the first time to avoid escalating conflict with the US.

Hezbollah has long rejected calls for disarmament from its opponents in Lebanon, asserting that its weapons are necessary to defend the country against Israel. These deep divisions led to a brief civil war in 2008.

Opponents argue that Hezbollah unilaterally drags the country into conflicts and that its large arsenal, operating outside state control, undermines state authority.

The US-brokered ceasefire stipulates the removal of all unauthorized military installations and the collection of weapons, starting from south of the Litani River.

Two sources close to Hezbollah said the organization is considering handing over its most effective weapons, such as drones and anti-tank missiles north of the Litani River, to the army.

President Aoun has stated that Hezbollah’s weapons can only be addressed through dialogue, as forced disarmament could trigger a new conflict.

Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai stated last week that all weapons should be under state control but emphasized that this requires time and diplomacy, adding that “Lebanon cannot afford another war.”

A Lebanese official said that communication channels have been opened with relevant stakeholders to “begin work on transferring weapons to state control” after the army and security forces expand state authority throughout Lebanon, noting that this is a move to implement Aoun’s policy.

The official added that the issue was also discussed with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a key ally of Hezbollah, who plays a crucial role in resolving differences.

During her visit to Beirut over the weekend, US Representative Morgan Ortagus reiterated Washington’s position, stating that Hezbollah and other armed groups should be disarmed as soon as possible and that this task falls to the Lebanese army.

In an interview with Lebanon’s LBCI television on April 6, Ortagus said, “It is clear that Hezbollah must be disarmed. It is also clear that Israel will not tolerate terrorists attacking its territory. This is a position we understand.”

Minister Kamal Shehadi, a member of the anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces party, stated that some ministers have requested a timeline for disarmament. Speaking to Reuters, Shehadi said that the process should not exceed six months, similar to the period applied to the disarmament of militias after the civil war.

He stated that a timeline-based approach, which sets a specific end date for the process, is “the only way to protect citizens from the recurrence of attacks that cause loss of life, economic damage, and destruction.”

The latest conflict began when Hezbollah opened fire in October 2023 in support of Hamas at the start of the Gaza war.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said in a speech on March 29 that the group no longer has an armed presence south of the Litani River and is adhering to the ceasefire, but that Israel is “violating it every day.” Israel claims that Hezbollah still maintains military infrastructure in the south.

Hezbollah argues that the responsibility for Israel’s withdrawal and cessation of attacks lies with the Lebanese state. Qassem noted that there is still time for diplomatic solutions, but if Israel does not comply with an agreement, “the resistance is ready” and may resort to “other options.”