US senator says disarming Hezbollah is tied to nation future

(MENAFN) US Senator Lindsey Graham cautioned that Lebanon’s political and economic future, along with its regional and international reputation, depends on disarming Hezbollah, calling the measure crucial for unlocking global support and ensuring stability.

Speaking at a press conference in Beirut following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, as part of a congressional delegation visiting the country, Graham stressed that Lebanon faces a pivotal choice.

“This country is going backward, not forward, if you don’t disarm the Palestinians and Hezbollah and make the Lebanese army the central repository of arms,” he said.

Graham highlighted that eliminating weapons from non-state actors could pave the way for increased engagement from Arab nations and Western countries. He also raised the possibility of a US-Lebanon defense agreement, suggesting it could be transformative for the country.

“The idea that America may one day have a defense agreement with Lebanon changes Lebanon, unlike any single thing I could think of. I want to defend religious diversity, and those who want to destroy it should understand their days are numbered.”

While noting that the final decision rests with the Lebanese people, Graham emphasized that Israel would maintain its current stance toward Lebanon unless disarmament occurs.

“Israel is never going to look at Lebanon differently until you do something different,” he said, portraying Hezbollah as a challenge to Lebanon’s sovereignty and regional future.

This follows the Lebanese government’s August 5 approval of a plan to consolidate all weapons under state authority, assigning the army to draft a strategy by the end of the month and implement it before the close of 2025. Hezbollah has rejected the measure, calling it a “grave sin.”

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