Hezbollah's Weapon Halts Lebanon Reconstruction Ahead of International Conference

A Lebanese party source close to the government stated that President Joseph Aoun's call to launch a reconstruction conference appears practically unfeasible at the current stage due to the ongoing war, the complexity of political and security conditions, and the absence of prerequisites for the return of displaced persons or the initiation of a stable economic path.

The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, told "Iram News" that government circles indicate the reconstruction file remains postponed until the political and security settlement path becomes clearer. He noted that any progress in this regard will depend on Lebanon's ability to extend its authority in the south and the deployment of the Lebanese army in areas expected to be vacated by Hezbollah militia.

He emphasized that "there will be no full liberation of territory, no safe return of displaced persons, no reconstruction, and no economic recovery as long as Hezbollah's weapons remain outside the state's and legitimacy's framework." The source considered this issue inseparable from internal stability conditions and the regional and international guarantees required.

The source pointed out that any international reconstruction conference will not yield practical results before the cessation of war and the establishment of clear security arrangements. He added that Israel will not withdraw from occupied areas before Hezbollah's disarmament or removal from contact zones and the Lebanese army's replacement in those areas.

According to the source, the US-Iranian understanding is still in a testing phase, within a trial period that may extend to sixty days. This situation places Lebanon in an additional waiting period before the implications of this process become clear regarding its southern front and the reconstruction issue.

The source added that hundreds have been killed and thousands wounded in Lebanon due to Israeli airstrikes, alongside widespread destruction in border villages and towns. However, transforming this tragedy into an actual reconstruction process requires a clear political and security decision, not symbolic invitations or wishes.

He also noted that the conference to support the Lebanese army, which is a priority at this stage, remains postponed as well. It will not be feasible before agreeing on experimental deployment areas for the army, Hezbollah's withdrawal from those areas, and the surrender or removal of its weapons from the security scene in the south.

Sarah Issa - "Iram News"