Lebanese Foreign Minister Rajji Calls Hezbollah Illegal and Destabilizing, Urges Israeli Withdrawal

What happened

According to the local English news source Naharnet Lebanon, Minister of Foreign Affairs Youssef Rajji described Hezbollah as a military organization and said there is no distinction between its political and military wings. In an interview with French channel LCI, Rajji called Hezbollah an illegal armed group on Lebanese soil, alleging it acts as an armed extension of Iran destabilizing the Middle East region.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Rajji stated that distinguishing between Hezbollah’s political and military branches is unrealistic, framing the party as a single, integrated entity. He accused Hezbollah of dragging Lebanon into a military quagmire, and expressed skepticism over the effectiveness of military options in resolving the conflict.

The minister also praised the Lebanese president Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam for initiating direct negotiations with Israel aimed at a ceasefire and enabling nearly one million displaced Lebanese to return home. Rajji emphasized his vision for peace but maintained that Israel must first withdraw from southern Lebanon and cease aggressive actions responsible for civilian casualties.

Known from the source

• Youssef Rajji is Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lebanon.
• Rajji gave an interview to French channel LCI.
• Rajji said Hezbollah is a military organization without separation between political and military wings.
• Rajji described Hezbollah as illegal on Lebanese territory and destabilizing the Middle East.
• Rajji praised Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam for opening direct talks with Israel.

What remains unclear

These statements come amid ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon involving Hezbollah and Israel, with displacement affecting large civilian populations. Rajji’s stance challenges Hezbollah’s position within Lebanon’s political landscape and signals potential shifts in governmental rhetoric, which could affect ceasefire discussions and the broader regional security balance.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Confirm exact wording and context of Rajji’s interview on LCI. Verify Lebanon’s official legal stance on Hezbollah’s status. Confirm details and status of negotiations between Lebanese government and Israel.

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.