Hezbollah has officially endorsed the principle that all weapons in Lebanon should be under state control, marking a major political shift in the country’s long-standing disarmament debate. However, the group insists that any such move must be phased and conditional on Israel’s complete withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.

In a written response submitted Friday, Hezbollah agreed to the concept of exclusive state authority over weapons while emphasizing that the arms it currently holds are a domestic matter subject to national dialogue within a “comprehensive defense strategy”.

The group stressed that any timeline for disarmament must coincide with an end to what it calls repeated Israeli violations and occupation in southern Lebanon.

Lebanese Political Coordination Underway

Sources told Sky News Arabia that Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri is leading efforts to unify Lebanon’s official stance. While Hezbollah’s reply represents a critical step, Lebanese leaders are considering amendments—particularly regarding the proposed timeline for disarmament.

The amendments are expected to include a phased approach, conditioned on Israel’s withdrawal and cessation of air and ground violations.

U.S. Mediation and Timing

Lebanon’s response will be delivered in the coming days to U.S. presidential envoy Amos Hochstein, who proposed the original framework during a visit to Beirut on June 19.

The final draft will be coordinated by Lebanon’s three top political figures—the president, speaker, and prime minister—who are scheduled to meet Saturday. Officials are seeking to finalize the response ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s expected visit to Washington.

Tensions Along the Border

The developments come amid escalating clashes on the Lebanon-Israel border. Hezbollah has linked its arms policy directly to defending Lebanon’s sovereignty, while the Lebanese government continues to call for international support in ensuring Israel’s compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.