Lebanese Justice Minister: Hezbollah's Arsenal Used as Pretext for Invasion; Transferring Weapons to State Would Strengthen Negotiating Position

Lebanon's Justice Minister has weighed in on the contentious issue of Hezbollah's military arsenal, asserting that the militant group's weapons cache provides a convenient justification for foreign intervention in Lebanese territory.

The minister characterized the transfer of such weaponry to the Lebanese state as a strategic move rather than a concession. He framed the measure as one that would bolster the state's standing in international negotiations and expand its capacity to exercise influence on the regional stage.

The comments reflect ongoing tensions within Lebanon regarding the role and authority of non-state armed actors, particularly Hezbollah, whose military capabilities have long been a flashpoint in domestic political discourse and a factor in regional security calculations.