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Roya News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- 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 'Israel' will not withdraw from southern Lebanon before Hezbollah's weapons are withdrawn."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.
LBCI
15-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon's FM urges EU to uphold sovereignty, warns of ongoing Israeli threats
Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to asserting full sovereignty over all of its territory, as outlined in the Taif Agreement and reiterated in the government's policy statement. Speaking at the 5th EU-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, Rajji called on the EU to support Lebanon's right to full sovereignty, provide guarantees to prevent future escalation and launch a comprehensive initiative to support the Lebanese army. He emphasized that the army remains the sole legitimate armed force in southern Lebanon, alongside UNIFIL, and is a key pillar of peace and security. Rajji highlighted that the Lebanese army has significantly bolstered its deployment south of the Litani River, with troop numbers expected to reach 10,000—a clear indication of Lebanon's determination to protect national sovereignty and promote regional stability. He warned that the continued occupation of five strategic hilltops—despite a U.S.- and French-mediated agreement—remains a significant obstacle to de-escalation in southern Lebanon. He added that ongoing drone attacks and strikes in both the South and the Bekaa Valley demand urgent international attention. Rajji urged the European Union to mobilize its diplomatic efforts to stop these violations and to uphold Lebanon's right to full sovereignty. He cautioned that weakening the role of the Lebanese army would endanger regional stability and reiterated the importance of renewing UNIFIL's mandate for another year. He also proposed a joint Euro-Arab conference dedicated to Lebanon's reconstruction and economic recovery and addressed the issue of Syrian displacement—calling for the launch of a safe, dignified, and coordinated return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.
MTV Lebanon
15-07-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
15 Jul 2025 14:04 PM Rajji urges EU support for Lebanese sovereignty and army at Brussels summit
Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to asserting full sovereignty over its entire territory, as outlined in the Taif Agreement and reiterated in the ministerial declaration. Speaking at the 5th EU–Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, Rajji urged the European Union to support Lebanon's sovereign rights, provide guarantees to prevent future escalation, and launch a comprehensive initiative to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces—the only legitimate military force in the south alongside UNIFIL. Rajji noted the army's expanded deployment south of the Litani River, expected to reach 10,000 troops, as a clear signal of Lebanon's determination to protect its sovereignty and stabilize the region. Moreover, the Foreign Minister warned that the continued Israeli occupation of five strategic hills, despite US- and French-brokered understandings, remains a key obstacle to de-escalation. He called on the EU to intensify diplomatic efforts to halt violations and to renew UNIFIL's mandate. He also proposed a joint Euro-Arab conference for Lebanon's reconstruction and urged progress on the dignified return of Syrian refugees. On the sidelines, Rajji met with several Arab and EU foreign ministers, including Syria's Assad al-Shibani and Spain's José Manuel Albares, who is expected to visit Beirut this fall.
MTV Lebanon
13-07-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
13 Jul 2025 12:23 PM Hawat urges legal action over Shukr's call to kill Hezbollah opponents
MP Ziad Hawat urged today, through his X account, the Public Prosecution Office to act as soon as possible, following the statements of the deputy head of the Bekaa region in Hezbollah, Faisal Shukr, which included an explicit call for killing anyone who demands the disarmament of the party. "Practically, he is demanding the killing of anyone who calls for the implementation of the Constitution, the Taif Agreement, international resolutions, and the cessation of hostilities agreement approved by the party itself, as well as anyone who seeks to spare Lebanon and the Lebanese the bitter cup of war once again," Hawat underlined.
MTV Lebanon
11-07-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Salam meets ambassadors of EU countries
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam received at the Grand Serail, the ambassadors of European Union countries, in the presence of the European Union Ambassador to Lebanon, Sandra De Waele. Premier Salam thanked the representatives of the European Union countries for their continued humanitarian and economic support to Lebanon, and briefed them on the progress of the ongoing reforms and those expected to be implemented in the coming weeks and months. Salam stressed that the state proceeds to extend its authority over all its territories, as stipulated in the Taif Agreement and the ministerial statement. On the other hand, The PM commended the EU countries' contribution of more than $600 million to areas affected by the aggression, considering that "this support constitutes a fundamental pillar for strengthening the resilience of the population and maintaining stability." The Prime Minister also stressed "the importance of renewing the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for an additional year, given its pivotal role in endorsing stability in the south and implementing Resolution 1701." For their part, the ambassadors affirmed the European Union's unwavering commitment to supporting Lebanon, emphasizing their "continued support for the reform process, particularly in the economic and financial sectors, as well as for the independence of the judiciary." They also expressed their "support for steps that facilitate the safe and sustainable return of displaced Syrians to their homeland." Salam also received US Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa A. Johnson, with whom he discussed the general situation and political developments.
