Bassil Calls on Hezbollah to Accept National Security Strategy Including Its Weapons

What happened

Naharnet Lebanon reports that Jebran Bassil, head of the Free Patriotic Movement, said Hezbollah’s weapons must be integrated into a national security strategy. He told al-Mayadeen TV that Hezbollah should stop insisting its arms “can’t be touched” and that a peaceful solution requires conditions including ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, return of captives and displaced Lebanese, and reparations.

Bassil warned disarmament by force would risk Lebanon’s destruction or civil war and argued instead for a realistic, inter-Lebanese agreement acceptable to foreign actors. He underlined that Hezbollah’s arms must be part of the security framework rather than remain outside it. Bassil also expressed solidarity with the families of Hezbollah fighters killed, appealing for unity in protecting Lebanon.

The remarks reflect an ongoing debate about Hezbollah’s military role versus the Lebanese state’s authority, an enduring tension affecting south Lebanon, Beirut politics, and relations with Israel and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Bassil’s position points to political efforts to resolve this through negotiation rather than confrontation.

Known from the source

• Jebran Bassil is the chief of the Free Patriotic Movement.
• Bassil gave an interview to al-Mayadeen television.
• Bassil stated Hezbollah’s weapons should be part of a national security strategy document.
• He said Hezbollah must accept conditions for peace including ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, return of captives, and displaced Lebanese.
• Bassil warned disarming Hezbollah by force could lead to Lebanon’s destruction or civil war.

What remains unclear

It remains unclear if Hezbollah has responded or how other Lebanese political factions view these comments. Nor is there confirmation of any progress on the ceasefire, withdrawal, or return issues Bassil referenced. The situation on the ground, including any fighting, strikes, or displaced civilians, is not specified in this source.

What remains unclear: Has Hezbollah responded to Bassil’s call regarding its weapons?. What is the stance of other major Lebanese political factions on this proposal?. Are there independent reports confirming progress on ceasefire or Israeli withdrawal?. Is there updated information on any recent fighting, strikes, or displacement in south Lebanon?.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Naharnet Lebanon. Open the source.