Lebanon’s Aoun says Hezbollah’s disarmament a ‘delicate’ matter key to ‘civil peace’

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says that disarming the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group is a “delicate” matter whose implementation required the right circumstances, warning that forcing the issue could lead the country to ruin.

His remarks came as Lebanon’s Health Ministry said two people were killed in Israeli strikes in the country’s south, the latest such raids despite a ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese terror group.

Restricting the bearing of arms to the state is “a sensitive, delicate issue that is fundamental to preserving civil peace” and requires due “consideration and responsibility,” Aoun tells reporters.

“We will implement” a state monopoly on bearing arms “but we have to wait for the circumstances” to allow this, he says, adding that “nobody is speaking to me about timing or pressure.”

“Any controversial domestic issue in Lebanon can only be approached through conciliatory, nonconfrontational dialogue and communication. If not, we will lead Lebanon to ruin,” he adds.

On Friday, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said the group “will not let anyone disarm” it, as Washington presses Beirut to compel the terror group to hand over its weapons.

Qassem said his group was ready for dialogue on a “defense strategy,” “but not under the pressure of occupation” by Israel.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.