Aoun to visit Algeria on Monday
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Ya Libnan
2 hours ago
- Ya Libnan
Lebanon Must Disarm Hezbollah—Or Risk Becoming the Next Gaza
In this photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office, Lebanese president Joseph Aoun, centre, and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, left background, lead a Cabinet meeting to discuss the disarmament of Hezbollah, at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, August 5, 2025. (Lebanese Presidency press office via AP) By : Ya Libnan Editorial Board The Lebanese Cabinet convened a highly anticipated session Tuesday at Baabda Palace, with one urgent item at the top of its agenda: the disarmament of Hezbollah. But even before the discussion began, the issue was quietly pushed to the end of the session—and now seems likely to be postponed yet again. Notably absent from the meeting were Finance Minister Yassine Jaber of the Amal Movement and Labor Minister Mohammad Haidar of Hezbollah, both reportedly abroad. Their absence—and the Cabinet's inability to confront the issue—speaks volumes about the paralysis that has gripped Lebanon's political system for years. Television networks have already reported that the government is leaning toward delaying any decision on Hezbollah's arms to a future session. But the Lebanese people can no longer afford delay. Postponement is not a strategy—it is surrender. If Lebanon does not take bold and immediate steps to disarm Hezbollah and assert the authority of the state, it will inch closer to a fate similar to Gaza: isolated, devastated, and governed by a militia rather than a legitimate government. For years, Hezbollah has acted as a state within a state—wielding arms, waging wars, and negotiating with foreign powers, all without the consent of the Lebanese people. Its weapons have turned Lebanon into a battlefield for regional conflicts, particularly between Iran and Israel. Every time Hezbollah acts independently, the entire country bears the consequences. Lebanon has already suffered enough. The economic collapse, political dysfunction, and the erosion of state authority are all symptoms of a deeper disease: the normalization of armed militias operating outside the control of the government. Hezbollah is not just a political party—it is an armed force loyal to a foreign power, operating with impunity within a sovereign state. Gaza was once a vibrant coastal strip. Today, it is a shattered enclave, isolated from the world and caught in endless cycles of violence. The world watched in horror as Gaza was pummeled into rubble, but behind the tragedy lies a painful truth: when militias replace the state, the people suffer. This is Lebanon's warning. Hezbollah may claim to defend the country, but in reality, it is dragging Lebanon toward the abyss. Israel has made it clear that it will not tolerate a second front in the north forever. The next war, if it comes, will not spare Beirut, the South, or the Bekaa Valley. It will destroy what remains of Lebanon's infrastructure, economy, and fragile hope. For too long, the international community has treated Hezbollah's weapons as an 'internal matter.' This convenient fiction has allowed the group to expand its power while Lebanon disintegrates. It is time for the Arab League, the United Nations, the European Union, and Lebanon's Western partners to stop hiding behind diplomatic niceties. Arab states—especially Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the Gulf countries—must support Lebanon's sovereignty by backing its institutions and pressuring for disarmament. Conditional financial aid, targeted sanctions on militia leaders, and a coordinated diplomatic push can help tip the balance. Disarmament won't happen overnight, but without external pressure and support, it won't happen at all. Millions of Lebanese are paying the price for Hezbollah's militarism. From sanctions to isolation, Lebanon's people are suffering not because of natural disasters or foreign invasions, but because of a man-made crisis fueled by weapons in the hands of unaccountable actors. Civil society, religious leaders, and the youth must break the silence. Every delay in addressing Hezbollah's weapons is a betrayal of Lebanon's sovereignty and future. The Lebanese army must be empowered—politically, militarily, and morally—to be the sole defender of the nation. No country can survive with two armies and two decision-making centers. Lebanon now stands at a crossroads. One path leads to sovereignty, reform, and peace. The other leads to war, devastation, and irrelevance. There is no middle road. This is not about vengeance or politics—it is about national survival. Hezbollah can either become a political party like any other, or it must be disarmed. Anything less ensures Lebanon's collapse. The question now is simple: does Lebanon want to be a sovereign nation—or another Gaza?
LBCI
4 hours ago
- LBCI
MP Marwan Hamadeh to LBCI: Hezbollah has to separate Shiite identity from arms issue
Democratic Gathering bloc member MP Marwan Hamadeh called on Hezbollah to "set the Shiite sect aside" when it comes to the issue of handing over its weapons. In an interview with LBCI, Hamadeh said that while the law on judicial independence may not be perfect, it represents a significant step forward. Reflecting on past presidential nominations, Hamadeh noted that even when the bloc supported Michel Moawad and Jihad Azour, "we always had Joseph Aoun in mind. We have come to know him as more than just a military uniform." Turning to the Palestinian leadership, Hamadeh remarked that President Mahmoud Abbas "has nothing left of himself," and said the time has come for "a new face who can say 'I am the new Palestine, not Hamas and extremism.'" Hamadeh added that most Palestinian camps are effectively under Hezbollah's control. He contrasted the current phases of the two leaders, stating that "Joseph Aoun is at the beginning of his term, while Mahmoud Abbas is at the end of his. Aoun can disarm Hezbollah and then move to disarm the Palestinian factions, starting with a decision that should be made this afternoon."
MTV Lebanon
4 hours ago
- MTV Lebanon
Aoun: Stability is gateway to economic recovery
President of the Republic Joseph Aoun stressed that political and security stability is the foundation for Lebanon's economic revival, noting that efforts were underway to solidify this stability in parallel with ongoing reforms. 'Stability is the key to economic recovery,' Aoun said, adding that both enacted reforms and upcoming legislation adopted by Parliament and decisions taken by the Cabinet are part of a broader roadmap for recovery. The president voiced optimism about Lebanon's prospects, citing a rise in tourism, the return of international conferences to Beirut, and growing numbers of Arab, especially Gulf, visitors as indicators of renewed confidence. He also praised the contributions of Lebanese businesspeople at home and across the diaspora in helping stimulate the economy. The President's comments came during a meeting with a delegation from the Fourth Diaspora Economic Conference, which will open Friday at the Phoenicia Hotel with over 400 participants from 37 countries. Conference President Raouf Abou Zaki noted that the return of stability encouraged strong diaspora participation and that the event aims to foster partnerships that support job creation and economic growth. Separately, President Aoun discussed recovery strategies with former Economic and Social Council president Roger Nasnas and received Marwan Sehnaoui, head of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Lebanon, who shared updates on aid initiatives for Jezzine and southern Lebanon. The president also met with Sheikh Mohammad Ahmad Al-Awad, Mufti of the Lebanese communities in Africa, who relayed diaspora concerns—including calls for stronger diplomatic representation, better consular services, legal protection, and fair handling of expatriate bank deposits. He urged initiatives to rebuild trust and encourage diaspora investment through legal guarantees.
