Wafiq Safa, head of Hezbollah’s Liaison and Coordination Unit, dismissed recent social media debate about Hezbollah's disarmament as provocations, affirming that the Resistance group remains strong and fully engaged in Lebanon’s defense framework. In an interview for Lebanon’s Al-Nour Radio on Friday, Safa said these discussions are part of a broader “psychological war” targeting the Resistance's popular base.

Responding to increasing online debate over Hezbollah’s weapons, Safa stressed that “some provocateurs” are deliberately stirring the Hezbollah disarmament issue. He argued that focus should instead be placed on arming the Lebanese Army, not weakening Hezbollah’s defensive capabilities.

He reminded that President Joseph Aoun had raised the subject of a national defense strategy in his inaugural address and noted that the president was informed of Hezbollah’s position on the matter: any national strategy should follow "Israel’s" full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

“The two issues are being conflated,” Safa warned, explaining that the 1701 zone is already a demilitarized area and that “the weapons found there are naturally confiscated by the Lebanese Army—either because they were bombed by the occupation or are unusable, in which case the army detonates them."

Safa reaffirms Hezbollah-Lebanese army coordination

In this context, the Hezbollah official affirmed that the relationship with the Lebanese Army is “naturally established, and the party maintains constant coordination with it.”

Safa emphasized that the relationship between Hezbollah and the Lebanese Army is “stable” and grounded in mutual respect and cooperation. He cited recent incidents in Lebanon’s eastern border region with Syria, where local tribes and residents rallied behind the army following attacks by Syrian militants.

He also clarified that Hezbollah does not operate independently in the 1701 zone and that its actions have consistently aligned with state policy. “Since the ceasefire was announced, Hezbollah has upheld its side of the agreement, as has the Lebanese Army,” Safa said. 

“It is the Israeli occupation that has failed to comply,” he stressed.

'Psychological war' targeting the Resistance's popular base

According to Safa, claims that Hezbollah is weakening or losing its popular base are unfounded. “Hezbollah, its leadership, and its support base are doing well,” he stated, adding that the movement continues to stand resilient despite coordinated efforts to undermine its credibility.

“What’s happening is a psychological war targeting the popular base,” he said. “Contrary to some claims, Hezbollah’s support base in Lebanon remains intact.”

The head of Hezbollah’s Liaison and Coordination Unit added that it is up to the Lebanese state to take the necessary steps to compel "Israel" to adhere to its ceasefire obligations.

False claims and corruption allegations addressed

The top Hezbollah figure also pushed back against accusations that Hezbollah is involved in weapons or financial smuggling via Beirut’s airport or port, slamming the allegations as "baseless". 

“He said those making these accusations are trapped in a persistent state of denial and disinformation,” he stressed.

Furthermore, Safa explained that the recent Beirut Airport incident involved misconduct by certain employees, which resulted in internal investigations and disciplinary action, excluding the possibility of a targeted measure against the country's Shiite component.

"Hezbollah has long positioned itself as an advocate for combating corruption,” he added.

Commenting on the recent removal of political slogans and pictures along the Beirut airport road, Safa explained that the measure was coordinated in advance with both Hezbollah and the Amal Movement. He noted that similar actions have been carried out in the past and are not unprecedented.

Regarding the resumption of Iranian flights to Beirut, Safa stated that the matter has been addressed at the highest levels of government, with both the president and the prime minister assuring that steps will be taken to resolve the issue.