Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced plans to bring all weapons under state authority by the end of 2025, including those held by Hezbollah. In an interview during his visit to Qatar, Aoun emphasized dialogue over conflict, stating, “We do not want a civil war in Lebanon.”

Aoun said direct talks are ongoing with Hezbollah and praised the group’s cooperation in southern Lebanon under UN Resolution 1701. He noted that the Lebanese army has closed tunnels and destroyed arms depots linked to Hezbollah.

He also called on the U.S. to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied areas and end attacks on Lebanese soil, arguing that such actions undermine disarmament efforts.

Aoun added that Hezbollah fighters meeting military criteria could integrate into the national army, as done after the Lebanese civil war.