Elias Bou Saab, Deputy Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, has advised the militant group Hezbollah to hand over its weapons to help end the ongoing Israeli attacks that have claimed thousands of lives. Bou Saab said at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai, "It is crucial that all weapons be placed in the hands of the national army."
Concerns Over Iranian Influence in Lebanon
Bou Saab expressed concern over Iranian influence in Lebanon's developments, calling for a political agreement among all parties, both inside and outside Lebanon. He added, "Hezbollah must be convinced that handing over its weapons to the Lebanese government will open the doors for the return to our lands, the freedom of prisoners, and the end of Israeli attacks."
These remarks come as Lebanese President Joseph Aoun recently rejected any new talks with Israel at this time. Aoun, during his visit to Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, along with Army Commander General Rudolf Haikal, assessed the situation just hours after Israel bombed the Ali al-Taher area with over 1,100 tons of explosives.
Consequences of Israeli Attacks
Bou Saab noted that Israel's military response to these conflicts has resulted in the deaths of over 4,000 people and the destruction of dozens of villages in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces are stationed. He stated that a peaceful solution may be possible, but it requires an end to regional conflicts and developments related to the elections in the United States and Israel in November.
Bou Saab also pointed out that efforts to bolster security are taking place while the government is under public scrutiny. In assessing Lebanon's future, he said it is too early to predict the future situation, and the country is currently in a "state of stagnation."
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