Issa El Khoury says Hezbollah’s weapons undermine state authority
Industry Minister Joe Issa El Khoury said the continued presence of Hezbollah’s weapons outside state control constitutes a major obstacle to Lebanon, arguing that restoring state sovereignty across the country is essential to achieving security and attracting investment.
In an interview with Al Ain News, Issa El Khoury described Hezbollah as facing political and military difficulties and accused the group of prioritizing Iran’s interests over Lebanon’s. He stressed that only the Lebanese state can speak on behalf of the country and said diplomacy remains Lebanon’s only viable path toward restoring sovereignty and stability.
The minister said investors require confidence that Lebanon will not repeatedly face the prospect of war, adding that Lebanese expatriates he meets frequently ask when weapons will come exclusively under Lebanese Army control.
He said the government is seeking to pressure Hezbollah to hand over its weapons to the state while avoiding confrontation between the group and the Army, and called for international assistance to strengthen the military’s capabilities.
Issa El Khoury also criticized Hezbollah’s opposition to direct or indirect negotiations with Israel, arguing that the group opposes negotiations in which it has no role. He said the current government and presidency had restored decision-making authority to state institutions.
On Iran, Issa El Khoury said Tehran seeks to preserve Hezbollah’s military capabilities for its own regional objectives, while the Lebanese state seeks to end the presence of weapons outside official institutions.
He also highlighted Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s diplomatic meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, saying they focused on explaining Lebanon’s position on Hezbollah’s weapons, Israeli-held territory, economic reforms and investment needs.
Issa El Khoury said Lebanon’s diplomatic outreach covers both security and economic priorities, including efforts to secure international support for state sovereignty, reform and investment.
