Hezbollah MP, Hassan Fadlallah. (Credit: NNA.)
BEIRUT - Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah stated that Hezbollah will agree to discuss 'other issues,' including its integration into the national defense strategy, once Israeli violations of the cease-fire in effect since last Nov. 27 cease and reconstruction of the destroyed areas has at least begun, according to statements reported by the party's channel, al-Manar.
'Today, there are a number of priorities, the main one being the issue of confrontation with the Israeli enemy, stopping attacks, liberating lands, releasing prisoners, and reconstruction,' said the official during a ceremony held in al-Hoch, southern Lebanon, in tribute to residents of the village of Yaroun killed by Israeli strikes.
'When these issues are settled and the state has fulfilled its responsibilities in these areas, when the blood of our people is no longer sacrificed, our lands are no longer occupied, and our homes are not
'Open to dialogue'
"We are open to this dialogue, and we were the first to propose it, presenting our view," he added, emphasizing that this dialogue can only take place between parties who consider "Israel an enemy and Lebanon's sovereignty more important than any external condition, be it American, Israeli, or other." Fadlallah also assured that Hezbollah does not want to engage in dialogue "with those who deceive public opinion, foment divisions, and attack the resistance."
He condemned the Israeli strikes that resulted in several deaths among Hezbollah ranks in the past two days, suggesting that Tel Aviv 'was taking advantage of the Lebanese state's weakness' and its inability to fully assume its responsibilities in face of these attacks.
The MP's comments come as President Joseph Aoun and the government of Nawaf Salam are pushing to engage in dialogue on disarming Hezbollah and integrating its elements into the army. On Wednesday, Jaafarite Mufti Ahmad Kabalan, known to be close to the Amal and Hezbollah duo, was much more virulent than Fadlallah by stating that any "mistake" on the Hezbollah weapons issue could "explode Lebanon."
