The political adviser to the Hezbollah leader, Hussein Khalil, at the headquarters of the Free Patriotic Movement in Sin el-Fil, on January 23, 2023. Mohammad Yassine/L'Orient-Le Jour
Even before the 2024 war, Hussein Khalil, political adviser to former Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, remained largely silent. Yet he has represented Hezbollah in negotiations on key national issues, including the presidential election and government formation. On Wednesday, however, he broke that silence, issuing a statement criticizing the government over the thorny issue of Hezbollah’s disarmament, following the Cabinet’s Aug. 5 decision. The move comes amid heightened polarization and an unfavorable climate for Hezbollah, which emerged weakened from its latest war with Israel, having lost many senior figures.Known for his rare public appearances, Khalil released his statement 48 hours after Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem reiterated that the party would not surrender its weapons. Echoing that stance, Khalil...
Even before the 2024 war, Hussein Khalil, political adviser to former Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, remained largely silent. Yet he has represented Hezbollah in negotiations on key national issues, including the presidential election and government formation. On Wednesday, however, he broke that silence, issuing a statement criticizing the government over the thorny issue of Hezbollah’s disarmament, following the Cabinet’s Aug. 5 decision. The move comes amid heightened polarization and an unfavorable climate for Hezbollah, which emerged weakened from its latest war with Israel, having lost many senior figures.Known for his rare public appearances, Khalil released his statement 48 hours after Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem reiterated that the party would not surrender its weapons. Echoing that stance,...
