Beirut: Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji considered the inclusion of a civilian figure, former Ambassador Simon Karam, in the Mechanism Committee as a positive step, hoping it will pave the way for sparing Lebanon a large-scale Israeli military campaign. In statements to Al-Arabiya.net, Rajji expressed hope that the United States would continue to pressure the Israeli side "to convince it" that Lebanon's appointment of a civilian figure to the negotiations is a sufficient first step to avert any potential military action against Lebanon.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Rajji stated that nothing is settled yet and that there are indications from both sides, with the results of the mechanism's work after the inclusion of civilians still pending. He emphasized that the mechanism's mandate will remain unchanged, aiming to implement the provisions of the cessation of hostilities agreement signed on November 27, 2024. Rajji reiterated that the negotiation mechanism is exclusively military in nature, given that the Israeli side insists on the implementation of international resolutions to disarm Hezbollah throughout Lebanon.
Rajji also clarified that disarming Hezbollah and dismantling its military infrastructure is a Lebanese demand, regardless of international demands. He added that this position was communicated to the UN Security Council delegation. Despite the ongoing discussions, he noted that Lebanon is far from signing a peace agreement with Israel. Ambassador Simon Karam's role is limited to discussing the cessation of hostilities, the Israeli withdrawal from occupied points, and the release of prisoners, focusing on military issues.
The Foreign Minister also addressed the speculation surrounding an economic zone in the south, stating that nothing concrete has materialized yet. He pointed out that Israeli attacks continue, and the threats of a large-scale military campaign remain. Rajji expressed regret that Hezbollah is not convinced it is in Lebanon's interest, or its own, to surrender its weapons to the state. He emphasized that the state's credibility depends on extending its authority over all Lebanese territory and confining the weapons of all armed groups to the legitimate security forces.
Rajji underscored that Hezbollah cannot surrender its weapons without an Iranian decision, and its current priority is to maintain its domestic position to regain its power. He mentioned that Hezbollah is rebuilding itself in various ways, including financially, to regain its power internally. He shared that he seriously discussed these matters with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi during meetings on the sidelines of regional conferences, and a response to his invitation for a bilateral meeting will be through a diplomatic note.