Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Hezbollah could be disarmed if Israel ends its occupation of Lebanese territory, the Lebanese Army assumes full control, and the State leads the country's reconstruction efforts.

Speaking at a dinner held in his honor by Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Mouawad, Aoun outlined his vision for restoring State authority, saying Lebanon's security and unity depend on the State alone holding a monopoly on the use of force.

"Lebanon cannot be truly secure or united unless it is one state with one army that protects all Lebanese equally, without exception," he said.

Aoun also defended Lebanon's pluralistic model, arguing that it carries significance beyond the country's borders.

"The Lebanese model deserves to be preserved—not only for Lebanon's sake, but for the entire region—because it is built on the same principles on which your nation was founded," he said.

Addressing the issue of Hezbollah's weapons, Aoun said the group's disarmament was achievable, provided the necessary conditions were in place.

"Hezbollah can be disarmed if we are serious about doing what is truly required: ending the occupation, allowing the Lebanese Army to assume full control of the country's territory, and implementing a reconstruction program managed exclusively by the Lebanese State," he said.

For her part, Mouawad said Aoun's visit to Washington reflected Lebanon's commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with the United States.

"Your visit underscores our commitment to strengthening the historic ties between our two countries and advancing the Lebanese people's aspirations for sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, prosperity, and peace," she said.

The dinner was attended by several members of the U.S. Congress and officials from the U.S. administration.