Hezbollah Denies Surrender Rumors as Lebanese Dialogue on Disarmament Begins
Executive Summary
Hezbollah has publicly denied widespread reports suggesting it is preparing to disarm or surrender its weapons, even as top officials signal readiness to engage in national dialogue with the Lebanese state. The group reaffirmed its stance in an official media statement, pushing back against claims from various sources alleging secret negotiations, smuggling operations through Beirut’s port, and shifts in policy after the group suffered major losses in recent conflicts. While Hezbollah maintains its weapons are essential to confronting Israeli aggression, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has vowed to reassert the state’s monopoly on arms.
Analysis
Tensions are high in Lebanon after several conflicting signals from Hezbollah and Lebanese political leadership stirred speculation that the Iran-backed militia may be willing to give up its arms. Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah, in a televised speech and later in a press conference, said the group is open to participating in a dialogue around a “defense strategy,” framing this as a move to protect Lebanon’s sovereignty and confront ongoing Israeli aggression in the south. He emphasized the group’s longstanding role in resisting occupation and denied recent accusations of weapons smuggling through the Port of Beirut.
These remarks came in response to a senior Hezbollah official telling Reuters the group may be willing to negotiate with President Aoun, who has pledged to consolidate state control over all arms. Aoun’s administration has confirmed that high-level talks on Hezbollah’s arsenal are underway, adding to the perception that the party may be shifting its posture post-ceasefire. However, Hezbollah’s official media relations department quickly issued a firm denial of the reports, calling them baseless and reaffirming that no credible information comes from unnamed “sources” without official sanction.
In parallel, media reports citing Western intelligence claim Hezbollah is reasserting control over the Port of Beirut to continue smuggling arms from Iran after losing its supply line through Syria. Units 190 and 700 of Iran’s Quds Force were identified as the key players behind these alleged transfers, with Hezbollah security chief Wafic Safa reportedly managing the Lebanese side of the operation. Lebanese authorities have denied the claims, with Public Works Minister Fayez Rasmany touring the port and calling the accusations exaggerated. Nonetheless, President Aoun has ordered a formal investigation.
Meanwhile, Israel continues to target Hezbollah assets in violation of the ceasefire agreement, citing ongoing threats. The group has lost key figures, including Hasan Nasrallah, and its Syrian ally Bashar al-Assad. Amid internal pressures and mounting external scrutiny, Hezbollah’s leadership appears to be balancing between tactical cooperation with the Lebanese state and maintaining its core resistance narrative.
Though Hezbollah says it is open to dialogue, it has made clear that disarmament would only come under a national strategy that aligns with its goals of defending Lebanese sovereignty and confronting Israel. Whether this amounts to a tactical repositioning or signals deeper strategic change remains to be seen.
