Senior Lebanese Official Calls on Hezbollah to Disarm and Pursue Peace to End Israeli Attacks

A senior Lebanese politician has urged Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah to disarm to help bring an end to sustained Israeli attacks that have killed thousands. Elias Bou Saab, Deputy Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, told the Arab Media Summit in Dubai on Wednesday it is crucial that all weapons in the country end up in the hands of the national army.

Mr Bou Saab said he was concerned by Iran’s influence over events in Lebanon and called for a political agreement involving all parties, inside and outside the country. Emphasizing the need for state monopoly on military power, he noted that Hezbollah should be convinced that handing their weapons to the Lebanese government will open the door to get back our lands, free the prisoners and stop the Israeli attacks.

His remarks come only days after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun ruled out new talks with Israel for the time being. Mr Aoun visited Nabatieh in southern Lebanon on Saturday, accompanied by army commander Gen Rodolph Haykal, hours after Israel bombed Ali Al Taher ridge in the district with more than 1,100 tonnes of explosives, purportedly to destroy tunnels used by Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Addressing international and regional dynamics, Mr Bou Saab said Washington did not want Iran to negotiate on behalf of the Lebanese, while Lebanon's own future remained dependent on developments across the region. He reiterated that a peaceful solution is possible but depends on an end to the wider regional conflict, as well as developments involving the US and Israel elections in November.