President Joseph Aoun received MP Mohammad Raad, the head of the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, at the Presidential Palace in Baabda on Monday, as Lebanon moves forward with its plan to disarm Palestinian camps by mid-June.
The issue of weapons and the restoration of full Lebanese sovereignty was at the heart of their meeting, which lasted almost an hour and marked the first visit by a senior figure from Hezbollah to President Aoun since his election in January 2025.
The timing of the encounter is particularly significant, coming just one day after Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem delivered a speech stating that “weapons are a tool to be used, when necessary, in the appropriate way and with proper judgment.”
“Don’t ask anything of us anymore, let Israel withdraw, end its aggression, and release the captives. After that, we’ll talk,” he added.
His remarks stand in stark contrast to the official Lebanese position, with both President Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reiterating on Monday the state’s commitment to ending the presence of unauthorized weapons and restoring state authority across all Lebanese territory.
The message appears to have struck a nerve. In an interview with Sky News Arabia, Salam reiterated the government’s position, saying, “The era of exporting the Iranian revolution is over,” and emphasizing public support for a strong, centralized state. Following the meeting, Raad declined to comment on Prime Minister Salam’s statements.
In response, Raad said, “I prefer not to comment… to preserve what remains of mutual goodwill,” highlighting the resistance bloc’s rejection of the disarmament initiative.
However, he did describe his talks with the president as “positive.” He stated that there was “a broad space for understanding” with the president, adding that his bloc would “continue to support efforts that promote sovereignty and fair representation.”
In a measured response to the disarmament debate, MP Raad signaled a willingness to engage – though on his own terms. “We are not bound by timing, locations or mechanisms to engage in dialogue,” he said, emphasizing that what truly matters is the president’s “sincere commitment” to national priorities, including political and administrative reforms, and securing essential rights and services for all Lebanese citizens.
On the contentious issue of Hezbollah’s arms and the state’s exclusive control over weapons, Raad maintained a cautious openness: “There are no closed doors when it comes to exchanging views with the president. This openness has existed since the presidential election and will continue.” However, he added a pointed caveat: “The state cannot demand privileges without fulfilling its duties. Mutual understanding comes when responsibilities and obligations are equally met.”
Earlier on Monday, President Aoun assured a visiting US Congressional delegation, led by Senator Angus King, that the implementation of the disarmament plan would proceed “step by step,” adding, “The decision has been made and there is no turning back.” Three camps have already been dismantled, and joint committees are supervising the process.
According to al-Anbaa news channel, Lebanon has been given an eight-month deadline to resolve the issue of illegal arms and restore full state control. International aid and reconstruction funds are reportedly being withheld until the process is completed.
US Congressional Delegation Expresses Support
Beyond the disarmament issue, President Aoun affirmed to the US delegation that Lebanon remains committed to UN Resolution 1701 and has already deployed troops south of the Litani River.
He also accused Israel of non-compliance, citing its ongoing occupation of Lebanese territory and refusal to release detainees.
On Syria, Aoun welcomed recent US sanctions relief, suggesting it could facilitate refugee return and enhance border security through renewed cooperation with Damascus.
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