Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi told reporters on Wednesday that the country's stability hinges on two conditions: the termination of what he described as the Israeli occupation and the transfer of Hezbollah's weapons to the state. He framed these steps as essential for Lebanon to move beyond its current security challenges.
Raggi emphasized that peace with all neighboring states is a priority for Beirut and warned that external meddling, particularly by Iran, must cease. The minister linked Iran's involvement to the broader regional tensions that affect Lebanon's internal dynamics.
In addition to the security demands, the minister reiterated Lebanon's willingness to engage in direct negotiations facilitated by the United States. He described such talks as the only viable route to recover territory he said had been lost and to facilitate the return of people displaced by past conflicts.
The statements were reported by Middle East Eye, which noted that Raggi positioned the United States as a potential mediator capable of delivering a framework for the disputed issues. He did not provide details on the specific mechanisms for disarmament or the timeline for any negotiations.
Raggi's remarks come amid ongoing debates within Lebanon over the role of armed groups and the country's foreign policy orientation. While the government has long sought to balance relations with regional powers, the minister's call for Iran to stop interfering signals a shift toward a more assertive stance on sovereignty and internal security.
No official response from Israeli or Iranian officials was recorded at the time of reporting. The Lebanese foreign ministry has not indicated whether it will pursue the outlined diplomatic pathway in the immediate future, but the minister's comments suggest a renewed push for international involvement to address longstanding grievances.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/lebanese-foreign-minister-calls-end-israeli-occupation-country.