Hezbollah disarmament dominates Lebanese Parliament amidst 'Israeli' strikes
The session saw renewed and sharp calls for the state to exclusively control all arms in Lebanon.
This parliamentary debate, the first of its kind in a long time, according to Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab, occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions.
During the session, 'Israeli' aircraft conducted low-altitude overflights, including over Beirut, later on, intense 'Israeli' airstrikes targeted the eastern and western Lebanese mountain ranges. These strikes reportedly resulted in at least 12 fatalities, including Syrian and Lebanese nationals, and 7 injuries.
Calls for state monopoly on arms
During the morning session, the Lebanese Forces party prominently called on the government to establish a clear timetable for Hezbollah's disarmament. MP Georges Adwan stated, "This is the government's last chance and there's a need to move quickly.
The government must hold the decisions on war and peace." This position was supported by MP Pierre Bou Assi, who added, "Everything must begin with strengthening sovereignty. 'Israel' will not withdraw from southern Lebanon before Hezbollah's weapons are withdrawn."
Other lawmakers, including independent MP Michel Moawad, also pressed the government on its plan and timetable for resolving the arms issue. MP Yassine Yassine emphasized that the "arms monopoly is not a slogan but a constitutional and political rule without which the state and the presidency will not be able to recover."
Despite the Lebanese constitution stipulating the exclusivity of weapons in the hands of the state, implementing this principle remains a major point of political division. Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab acknowledged the session would likely feature "contradictory statements from all sides, as well as calls for a monopoly on arms and for reconstruction." He also questioned the government's commitment to the Taif Agreement's national accord document, which calls for liberating Lebanese territories from Israeli Occupation.
US roadmap, e scalating tensions
The parliamentary discussions coincided with Lebanon's review of Washington's response to proposals from US envoy Thomas Barrack. Barrack's "roadmap" for peace in the region includes a demand for a timeline for Hezbollah's disarmament and other armed factions, with a clear implementation mechanism to be set by the Lebanese government. Sources indicate that the US has given Lebanon until the end of the current year to resolve the Hezbollah weapons issue.
Hezbollah's stance remains firm, with its chief Naim Qassem stating that the group would not disarm until 'Israel' ends its aggression and withdraws from southern Lebanon. He previously asserted that Hezbollah's weapons would not be on the negotiating table unless 'Israel' "withdraws from the occupied territories, stops its aggression, releases the prisoners, and reconstruction begins."
MPs in the session also urged the government to take a firm stance against the ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire. 'Israeli' Defence Minister Israel Katz, on Tuesday, stated that 'Israeli' military strikes underway in Lebanon send a "clear message" to Hezbollah, accusing the group of plotting to rebuild its forces.
Crossroads for Lebanon
The parliamentary session underscores the sensitive political crossroads facing Lebanon. The domestic push for disarming militias, particularly Hezbollah, intertwines with ongoing calls for a complete 'Israeli' withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Roya News
5 hours ago
- Roya News
Jordan condemns 'Israeli' strikes on Syria
Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates on Tuesday condemned the latest 'Israeli' airstrikes on the Syrian Arab Republic, calling the attacks a blatant violation of international law and a dangerous escalation targeting Syria's sovereignty, stability, and security. In a statement, ministry spokesperson Ambassador Dr. Sufyan Qudah stressed the urgent need to stop these assaults immediately and respect Syria's sovereignty. Ambassador Qudah reiterated Jordan's firm stance in full solidarity with Syria, affirming the Kingdom's support for its security, stability, sovereignty, and the safety of its territory and people. He emphasized that the stability of Syria is a key pillar of regional stability.
Roya News
5 hours ago
- Roya News
Remains of 15 Assad-era victims found in mass grave in Hama, Syria
The Public Prosecution Office in Hama Governorate announced Tuesday the discovery of a mass grave containing the remains of 15 people, including a woman and a child, believed to be victims of a 2013 massacre carried out by forces loyal to former president Bashar al-Assad. According to a statement published by Syria's state news agency SANA, the remains were found inside a well in the town of Ma'an, located northeast of Hama. Authorities believe the site is linked to one of several atrocities committed against civilians during the early years of the Syrian uprising. Hama's chief prosecutor, Ayman Al-Othman, said the discovery followed a report that prompted authorities, accompanied by teams from internal security, forensic medicine, and civil defense, to immediately inspect the site. The remains were recovered and transferred to the forensic medical center for identification and legal processing. "Initial evidence and available indicators confirm that these remains belong to victims of a crime committed by the former regime, as part of widespread and grave violations against innocent civilians in 2013," Al-Othman stated. He emphasized the prosecution's commitment to pursuing those responsible and bringing them to justice, calling the massacre 'one of the most horrific violations witnessed in the region.' Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, mass graves and evidence of atrocities committed over 11 years of conflict have continued to surface across Syria. The uprising, which began in 2011, left hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced. On December 8, 2024, opposition factions took control of the capital Damascus, ending 61 years of Baath Party rule and more than five decades of the Assad family's grip on power.
Roya News
7 hours ago
- Roya News
Hezbollah disarmament dominates Lebanese Parliament amidst 'Israeli' strikes
The Lebanese Parliament convened a general session today, Tuesday, July 15, to discuss the government's policies, with the contentious issue of Hezbollah's weaponry dominating proceedings. The session saw renewed and sharp calls for the state to exclusively control all arms in Lebanon. This parliamentary debate, the first of its kind in a long time, according to Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab, occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions. During the session, 'Israeli' aircraft conducted low-altitude overflights, including over Beirut, later on, intense 'Israeli' airstrikes targeted the eastern and western Lebanese mountain ranges. These strikes reportedly resulted in at least 12 fatalities, including Syrian and Lebanese nationals, and 7 injuries. Calls for state monopoly on arms During the morning session, the Lebanese Forces party prominently called on the government to establish a clear timetable for Hezbollah's disarmament. MP Georges Adwan stated, "This is the government's last chance and there's a need to move quickly. The government must hold the decisions on war and peace." This position was supported by MP Pierre Bou Assi, who added, "Everything must begin with strengthening sovereignty. 'Israel' will not withdraw from southern Lebanon before Hezbollah's weapons are withdrawn." Other lawmakers, including independent MP Michel Moawad, also pressed the government on its plan and timetable for resolving the arms issue. MP Yassine Yassine emphasized that the "arms monopoly is not a slogan but a constitutional and political rule without which the state and the presidency will not be able to recover." Despite the Lebanese constitution stipulating the exclusivity of weapons in the hands of the state, implementing this principle remains a major point of political division. Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab acknowledged the session would likely feature "contradictory statements from all sides, as well as calls for a monopoly on arms and for reconstruction." He also questioned the government's commitment to the Taif Agreement's national accord document, which calls for liberating Lebanese territories from Israeli Occupation. US roadmap, e scalating tensions The parliamentary discussions coincided with Lebanon's review of Washington's response to proposals from US envoy Thomas Barrack. Barrack's "roadmap" for peace in the region includes a demand for a timeline for Hezbollah's disarmament and other armed factions, with a clear implementation mechanism to be set by the Lebanese government. Sources indicate that the US has given Lebanon until the end of the current year to resolve the Hezbollah weapons issue. Hezbollah's stance remains firm, with its chief Naim Qassem stating that the group would not disarm until 'Israel' ends its aggression and withdraws from southern Lebanon. He previously asserted that Hezbollah's weapons would not be on the negotiating table unless 'Israel' "withdraws from the occupied territories, stops its aggression, releases the prisoners, and reconstruction begins." MPs in the session also urged the government to take a firm stance against the ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire. 'Israeli' Defence Minister Israel Katz, on Tuesday, stated that 'Israeli' military strikes underway in Lebanon send a "clear message" to Hezbollah, accusing the group of plotting to rebuild its forces. Crossroads for Lebanon The parliamentary session underscores the sensitive political crossroads facing Lebanon. The domestic push for disarming militias, particularly Hezbollah, intertwines with ongoing calls for a complete 'Israeli' withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.
