The leader of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea. (Credit: NNA)
The head of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea, on Wednesday criticized statements by several Hezbollah leaders who rejected the idea of disarming the party, while the Lebanese state, represented by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, continued to call for the monopoly of weapons by the Lebanese army.
"We have heard over the past few days statements from several Hezbollah leaders who refuse the dissolution of the party's armed and security branches," Geagea said at a party ceremony in Maarab. He also noted that these positions come "at a time when the government of Najib Mikati, which was a Hezbollah government par excellence, unanimously accepted on Nov. 22, 2024 (a few days before the implementation of the cease-fire with Israel) the dissolution of all military infrastructures not attached to the Lebanese army ... and the monopoly of weapons, even light ones, in the hands of the army and official security forces throughout Lebanese territory."
Last Saturday, Naim Qassem, the leader of Hezbollah, announced that the paty "will not allow anyone to disarm it." He said he was ready to participate in a "dialogue on a comprehensive defense strategy" – not on disarmament – provided that Israel "ceases its attacks" against Lebanon and withdraws from the south. On Monday, Hassan Fadlallah, a Hezbollah MP, came back to the charge, stating that the government should address other more "priority" issues before focusing on the "national defense strategy."
President Joseph Aoun stated last Tuesday that he wished to make 2025 the year of the "monopoly of weapons" in the hands of the state. Nawaf Salam, for his part, said Sunday that "the Lebanese state alone is the master of the decision of war and peace, and the only party authorized to possess weapons."
Remind Hezbollah of its 'previous commitments'
Geagea also asked Lebanese authorities to "remind the leaders of the party of their previous commitments as well as those of the Lebanese government, to implement the terms of the agreement (cease-fire with Israel) as quickly as possible to enable the complete expulsion of Israel from Lebanon, end targeted assassinations, and rebuild an effective state in Lebanon."
A cease-fire agreement ended, on Nov. 27, 2024, more than a year of hostilities, including two months of full-scale war between Israel and the party, which was greatly weakened. It specifically provides for the dismantling of Hezbollah's military infrastructure between the Litani River and the Israeli border, about 30 kilometers to the south, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the south of the country.
Washington is pressuring Lebanese authorities to push for Hezbollah's disarmament. The Israeli army has maintained several positions in southern Lebanon and continues to carry out strikes, claiming to target Hezbollah.
"The Lebanese Forces no longer represent only Christians, but rather express the aspirations of every free Lebanese," Geagea said, adding that the aim of his party "is to build a real homeland."
