Lebanese President Aoun urges for Hezbollah's disarmament to stop ‘pointless wars’

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged all political factions in Lebanon, particularly Hezbollah, to "seize the opportunity" and transfer their weapons exclusively to the Lebanese army. He emphasized that state authority must be fully established across the country to end what he called "pointless wars."

Addressing recent comments from Hezbollah officials, Aoun stressed the importance of a responsible approach to disarmament. "I call on all political entities to responsibly approach the issue of confining weapons exclusively to the state," he said.

The president issued a firm directive, "Lebanese parties must seize the opportunity to hand over weapons today, not tomorrow. The Lebanese state’s authority must be extended over its lands, and the weapons of all armed groups, including Hezbollah, must be withdrawn."

Linking the disarmament process with state-building, Aoun said his insistence on exclusive state control of arms "stems from his dedication to liberating Lebanese lands and building the state." He called on all citizens to support the Lebanese army and pledge loyalty solely to the state.

Regarding security in southern Lebanon, Aoun confirmed the army’s success in extending control over the South of the Litani region and affirmed its commitment to completing this mission. He accused 'Israel' of obstructing the return of residents to villages destroyed during past conflicts and hindering reconstruction efforts.

On the diplomatic front, the president revealed that the United States had submitted a draft proposal concerning the ongoing conflict, to which Lebanon has made significant amendments. The revised draft will soon be presented to Lebanon’s Cabinet. According to Aoun, Lebanon’s key demands include halting 'Israeli' hostilities, ensuring 'Israel’s' withdrawal, and securing the release of prisoners.

To bolster the Lebanese army’s capacity to fulfill its national duties, Aoun highlighted the need for sustained financial support, calling for "one billion dollars annually over ten years."

Closing his address, Aoun made a heartfelt plea for an end to Lebanon’s internal strife. "We must stop the death, destruction, suicide, and pointless wars on our land," he said.