Lebanese Parliament Speaker and Hezbollah Discuss Defense Strategy Amid Tensions with Israel

In his recent statements, including one today, Berri emphasizes that Lebanon has fulfilled its part, particularly with the deployment of the Lebanese Army in the south and the withdrawal of Hezbollah from the region, while Israel has escalated its attacks and airstrikes. He stressed, “We will not surrender our weapons now before the enemy implements the required conditions,” adding that, “Our weapons are our leverage that we will not give up without the actual implementation of the ceasefire agreement and moving towards dialogue on its future.”

A source close to Berri told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that, “The Speaker’s position is clear and known; he has repeatedly affirmed that Lebanon fully adhered to the ceasefire agreement that came into effect on November 27, 2024, while Israel has committed over two thousand violations, resulting in numerous martyrs and injuries, as well as continuous destruction of infrastructure, homes, villages, and towns, including attacks on Beirut’s southern suburbs.”

The source adds that, “The issue of Hezbollah’s weapons is on the table and is part of discussions at the level of the three presidencies, particularly between Presidents Joseph Aoun and Nabih Berri, and at the representative level, in preparation for direct talks between Hezbollah and President Aoun, which, as the President said, requires specific conditions. This issue cannot be resolved under internal pressures or limited to a timeframe.” The source emphasized that, “Beyond the political statements from various sides, Lebanon’s official stance is clear about the priority of Israel’s withdrawal from the five points it occupies and halting its aggression against Lebanese territory.”

In his most recent speech last week, Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General Naeem Qassem reiterated, “There are three basic principles that must govern any dialogue and any outcome: First, the protection of Lebanon’s sovereignty and the liberation of its land, halting all forms of Israeli aggression; second, utilizing the strength and weapons of the resistance within a defense strategy that achieves liberation and protection; and third, rejecting any step that weakens Lebanon or leads to its surrender to the Israeli enemy.”

Meanwhile, President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed his focus on a diplomatic solution, saying, “The Lebanese have grown weary of wars,” and noting, “Diplomatic efforts may not yield results immediately, but we work daily with international parties away from the media to achieve the required goal.”

On the ground, a source within the Lebanese Army told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that, “The Lebanese Army continues its deployment in the south, carrying out its tasks under the ceasefire arrangements. The only obstacles to fulfilling its commitments are the ongoing Israeli occupation and daily attacks.”

The source pointed out that, “An American military delegation visited southern Lebanon on Thursday, toured the areas where the army is stationed, and evaluated the situation positively, showing the seriousness of Lebanon and its army’s commitment to its role.” He noted that, “Further visits will be made by the delegation and UNIFIL patrols as part of the task force monitoring the ceasefire’s implementation.”

Military expert Brigadier General Ali Abi Radd noted in an interview with Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that, “The solution to Hezbollah’s weapons issue can only be found through serious and realistic dialogue between Hezbollah and the presidency, and I believe things are heading in the right direction. It should not be driven by internal media and political pressures or calls for disarmament by force, as suggested by the Lebanese Forces (headed by Samir Geagea), which could lead the country to ruin and pose serious risks, potentially triggering not just a civil war but a catastrophe for Lebanon.”

Abi Radd further emphasized, “President Aoun’s positions are commendable, particularly in affirming that the issue of disarming Hezbollah is an internal matter to be addressed through dialogue. Any internal dispute should be resolved with patience and responsibility, communicating with those involved and avoiding inflammatory language. It is a sensitive and crucial matter for preserving national peace.”

He added, “Aoun was clear in saying that no one will talk to him about timing or pressures. We have discussed the issue of weapons in the inaugural speech, and we will implement it when the right conditions are met. The timing will determine how to implement it, but we must remember that Aoun was a former army commander and understands the situation in detail.”

Abi Radd pointed out that, “The Israeli escalation is dangerous, coinciding with a push to exert pressure not just militarily but also politically and publicly on Hezbollah to disarm.” He considered that, “The recent targeting of a leader in the Islamic Group, though not military, is significant due to its location, deep within Lebanon in Mount Lebanon, marking the first such attack since the ceasefire.”

He concluded that, “The region faces an uncertain period, with diplomatic opportunities coexisting with high risks of military escalation in various points across the Middle East. The ability of parties to manage tensions will be crucial, and external interventions will play a decisive role in shaping the regional scene.”

On another note, President Joseph Aoun received today a written message from Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, delivered by Iraqi Minister of Culture and Tourism Ahmed Fakkak Al-Badrani, inviting him to attend the 34th Arab Summit and the 5th Arab Economic, Social, and Development Summit, which will be hosted by Baghdad on May 17, 2025.