Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has issued a firm call for Hezbollah to disarm, urging the Iran-backed militant group to surrender its weapons and submit to state authority as the United States ramps up diplomatic pressure.
During a national address commemorating Army Day, President Aoun emphasized the Lebanese government's determination to extend state control across all territories and consolidate armed power exclusively under the Lebanese Armed Forces.
"Beirut is demanding the extension of the Lebanese state's authority over all its territory, the removal of weapons from all armed groups including Hezbollah, and their handover to the Lebanese army," Aoun declared in his speech.
The president urged Hezbollah and other factions to "seize the opportunity" for voluntary disarmament, warning that continued delays could further destabilize Lebanon's already fragile security situation and deepen the country's international isolation.
Military Funding Initiative
In a move to strengthen the country's security apparatus, Aoun announced Lebanon's intention to secure $1 billion annually over the next decade to support the army and security forces, signaling a push toward military self-sufficiency and enhanced state sovereignty.
Despite the president's call, Hezbollah has maintained a defiant stance. Senior Hezbollah figure Qassem Naim responded on Wednesday by firmly rejecting any suggestion of disarmament and accused critics of advancing Israeli interests.
"Those calling for our disarmament are doing the bidding of Israel," Naim stated, highlighting the deep-rooted resistance within the organization to relinquish its military capabilities.
Growing Internal Divide
The standoff reveals a widening internal divide in Lebanon amid increasing external pressure, particularly from Washington. The United States has consistently called on Beirut to curb Hezbollah's military influence and reassert full state sovereignty throughout Lebanese territory.
This development comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, with recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah compounds in Southern Lebanon and ongoing concerns about the group's activities both within Lebanon and across the region.
Political analysts suggest that President Aoun's unprecedented public demand represents a significant shift in the Lebanese government's approach to Hezbollah, potentially signaling new alignments in the country's complex political landscape.
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