In a potential turning point for regional stability, a senior Hezbollah official has stated that the group is willing to discuss disarmament, provided that Israel completes its withdrawal from five disputed positions in southern Lebanon and halts all military operations in the area. The statement comes in response to mounting international and domestic calls for Hezbollah to relinquish its weapons following the deadly conflict that erupted in 2024.

The 14-month war between Hezbollah and Israel, which ended on November 27, 2024, with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, left deep scars across Lebanon and northern Israel. The ceasefire agreement included a clause demanding Hezbollah’s disarmament in southern Lebanon, alongside a requirement for Israel to withdraw from the border region within 60 days. However, Israeli forces have only retreated from two of the designated areas, fueling tensions and claims of non-compliance from both sides.

Hezbollah, which suffered significant losses during the conflict—including the death of its long-time leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and thousands of fighters—has adopted a new tone regarding its military status. The group’s capabilities were significantly degraded, and it has been reportedly recruiting and rearming in an effort to recover.

Lebanon’s newly elected president, Joseph Aoun, has made it a priority to consolidate the country’s arms under official state authority. His administration has signaled an intent to initiate a dialogue with Hezbollah, framing the issue as essential to Lebanon’s sovereignty and long-term peace. President Aoun’s approach has received support from prominent Lebanese leaders, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, who have called for national unity and diplomatic solutions.

Meanwhile, Israel has accused Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire by attempting to rebuild its arsenal with support from Iran. Reports presented at the United Nations allege ongoing efforts to smuggle weapons and resume militant operations, claims that Hezbollah denies.

The United States has continued to push for the full implementation of the ceasefire deal, emphasizing that the Lebanese army should be the sole legitimate defense force in the country. Hezbollah, however, insists that any talks on disarmament must follow Israel’s complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem has warned that if Israel does not comply with the terms of the ceasefire, the group may consider alternative actions.

Some Lebanese ministers have floated a six-month timetable for the disarmament process, contingent on mutual compliance with the ceasefire agreement. However, the fragile nature of the current peace leaves the future uncertain.

As Lebanon stands at a critical crossroads, the outcome of these diplomatic developments could shape the security landscape of the Middle East for years to come. Whether the discussions will lead to the historic disarmament of Hezbollah or reignite hostilities hinges on the next moves by both Hezbollah and Israel.