Joelle Bou Abboud, a member of the Kataeb Party’s political bureau, called on Hezbollah to fully hand over its weapons to the Lebanese State, saying the country’s sovereignty and stability cannot coexist with an armed group operating outside the law.

In an interview on the Elsiyasa Plus YouTube platform, Bou Abboud criticized the idea that Hezbollah’s arsenal protects Lebanon.

“Israel is Lebanon’s enemy. All attacks target Lebanon and its people first, not Hezbollah. These weapons have not protected the country; they’ve only invited repeated attacks,” she said.

She emphasized that surrendering Hezbollah’s arms would serve Lebanon’s interests, not Israel’s, warning that the continued presence of illegal weapons undermines the country’s development and deters investment.

While acknowledging that a significant portion of Hezbollah’s arsenal has already been turned over to the Lebanese Army, Bou Abboud questioned why the group continues to hold weapons north of the Litani River.

“If you give up your weapons in the south, what remains of your so-called ‘resistance’ against Israel?” she asked, stressing that Hezbollah’s claims of cooperation with the army remain unverified.

Bou Abboud also said Hezbollah’s influence stretches beyond the Israel-Lebanon conflict, pointing to alleged activities in South America. She argued that the Lebanese State must assert itself as the sole authority, relying on diplomacy rather than illegal armed groups; a position she said enjoys broad public support.

“A large majority of Lebanese want the weapons handed over, and Hezbollah is the only party resisting,” she noted.

On security matters, she dismissed the idea that intimidating Israel with rockets justifies compromising Lebanon’s development.

“The goal should be sustainable peace and growth, not simply scaring Israel. Hezbollah’s weapons have failed to protect Lebanon, and we need alternatives to confront threats,” Bou Abboud said.

She also addressed Palestinian weapons in Lebanon, noting that arms in six refugee camps were fully surrendered, though Hamas’ arsenal remains tied to Hezbollah.

“Until Hezbollah’s weapons are resolved, Hamas will not relinquish its arms,” she warned.

Bou Abboud welcomed recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump in support of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the army, interpreting them as backing for the disarmament process.

“This process must continue. The army’s report confirms that around 4,000 sites have already been handed over,” she said.

“No one is seeking confrontation with Hezbollah, but we cannot return to the past. The party must integrate into the state, surrender its weapons, and accept the rule of law,” she concluded.