Source: Kataeb.org
Wednesday 4 June 2025 19:58:23
Members of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc met with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Wednesday, in a bid to deescalate recent tensions and signal a willingness to work alongside the new government, though sensitive issues like disarmament, they said, would be addressed only in their proper context and timing.
The visit to the Grand Serail was led by Mohammad Raad, head of the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, accompanied by MPs Hassan Fadlallah, Amin Sherri, Ibrahim Moussawi, and Hussein Hajj Hassan.
"We walked in smiling and walked out smiling, because we harbor only good intentions, and we left all smiles, because we wish for a lasting consensus with him [Salam] and with all components of the country, so that everyone shoulders their responsibilities,” Raad told reporters after the meeting.
He described the discussions as “positive and productive,” noting that both sides agreed on key national concerns and pathways for cooperation.
Raad emphasized that Hezbollah bears no grudges and remains committed to working with Salam’s cabinet, despite prior disagreements.
“Differences in opinion don’t affect mutual respect,” he said, brushing off suggestions that the meeting amounted to a reconciliation. “To reconcile, there must first be a break. We never disengaged.”
During the meeting, Raad said the bloc presented a series of “practical, detailed proposals” aimed at launching the country’s reconstruction process, an area the party says is being handled too slowly.
“We were surprised by the Prime Minister’s openness to our suggestions,” Raad said. “He even took note of several of them.”
While the question of Hezbollah’s arsenal was not explicitly on the agenda, Raad acknowledged it was “implicitly present” in the talks.
“Everyone cares about what guarantees stability in this country,” he said. “The first prerequisite for stability is ending Israeli occupation.”
According to Raad, Hezbollah is open to a future debate over its arms, but only if addressed “objectively” and in a way that preserves Lebanon’s interests and the people’s right to resist Israeli aggression.
“Nothing is conditional on anything else,” he said. “Everything happens at the appropriate time.”
“This matter should be addressed objectively, in the interest of the country,” Raad said. “Everything will happen in its appropriate time. Nothing is conditional upon anything else.”
He insisted that Lebanon has met its international obligations, while accusing Israel of continuing to violate agreements.
“The enemy does not respect what has been agreed upon, while Lebanon has done its part,” he said.
Raad laid out Hezbollah’s current priorities: securing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from disputed territories, ensuring the release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israel, and beginning reconstruction in areas affected by recent conflict.
“These are our demands, and we want all Lebanese to unite around them,” he said.
Hezbollah plans to follow up with the Prime Minister after the Eid al-Adha holiday, which begins Friday, to ensure implementation of the proposals discussed.
“We’ll keep pushing for concrete steps,” Raad said.
He also confirmed that the party remains engaged in talks with President Joseph Aoun, reiterating that stability and national sovereignty remain at the core of their political vision.
“We are not concerned with provocations circulating on social media,” he said. “We’re focused on what matters: protecting Lebanon and advancing the country’s interests.”
Asked whether Israel might obstruct Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts, Raad responded with cautious optimism.
“We are not pessimists,” he said. “We’ll do what needs to be done. What matters is that our steps are serious. Even symbolic moves, if taken seriously, can open the door to real progress.”