Lebanon finalizes response to US on 'disarmament calls': Exclusive

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen Net
20 Jul 2025 21:31

Lebanon prepares to deliver its official response to the US, emphasizing the need for "Israel" to halt aggression, release prisoners, and withdraw from occupied territories.

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Lebanese army soldiers inspect a destroyed house that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Nabatieh town, south Lebanon, Friday, June 27, 2025 (AP)

Lebanese sources told Al Mayadeen that Beirut has finalized its remarks on the response concerning the US demands to disarm the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon. The official document is expected to be delivered to US envoy Thomas Barrack on Monday.

According to the sources, Lebanon's response outlines its position on key issues while avoiding any commitments to timelines for the handover of the Resistance's weapons. Despite pressure from Washington to specify deadlines, Lebanese authorities have maintained that such matters remain contingent on further discussions.

Beirut also emphasized its long-standing demand that "Israel" fully implement the ceasefire agreement. The Lebanese remarks also reaffirm calls for a complete halt to Israeli attacks, the withdrawal from occupied territories, and the release of all Lebanese prisoners abducted and held by "Israel".

While the US has requested clear timelines regarding demilitarization, Lebanese officials have not committed to any. The sources stated that Lebanon prefers to discuss potential guarantees with the US before determining any deadlines related to disarmament or other security measures.

Thomas Barrack’s upcoming meeting in Beirut is expected to include detailed discussions on the nature and scope of these guarantees. Only after these talks will Lebanon consider setting any conditions or timelines regarding the issues raised by Washington.

Hezbollah's arms foundational for Lebanon: Sheikh Qassem

It is worth noting that the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, Hezbollah, categorically rejects disarmament, particularly amid the threat of Israeli occupation and ongoing violations of Lebanese sovereignty.

On Friday, Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hezbollah's Secretary-General, reiterated that "Israel will never be handed our weapons," warning "Israel" that it "will never achieve its objectives as long as we exist."

He expressed readiness to defend Lebanon if "Israel" launches an attack that they believe calls for their defense, adding, "Those who choose submission may do so, that is their own business, but we will never accept humiliation, especially not after our immense sacrifices and the strength we’ve gained to ensure this outcome."

Furthermore, Sheikh Naim Qassem clarified that the issue is "not about disarming [the Resistance], but rather a step in Israel's expansionist agenda."

He maintained that Hezbollah's weapons stand as an obstacle in "Israel's" way precisely because they've "enabled Lebanon to stand firm and prevented the occupation's encroachment."