Lebanon aspires for tranquility, yet Hezbollah must be persuaded initially.

Since taking office, President Aoun has upheld a policy he refers to as the “state monopoly on arms”. As part of the 2024 ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah consented to withdraw its fighters and arms from southern Lebanon, which had been effectively governed by the group for many years. Hezbollah also exerts influence over the southern suburbs of Beirut, known as Dahieh, and the eastern Bekaa Valley, where a portion of its weaponry is stored, but Naim Qassem, its secretary-general, has refused to entertain the notion of complete, nationwide disarmament.