Joseph Aoun

Lebanon vs Hezbollah: A standoff between state sovereignty and Iranian influence - opinion

Although much weakened by Israel’s military, and other more covert operations, Hezbollah is still too powerful to be controlled by the government.

A Hezbollah flag waves among a destroyed building following an Israeli airstrike during a media tour in Baalbek, Lebanon, on March 23, 2026.
Then-Iran’s ambassador-designate to Lebanon Mohammad Reza Sheibani Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Lebanon’s internal strength tested as Iranian ambassador refuses to leave - analysis

A HOLE in a wall, after shrapnel from an intercepted Iranian missile made impact in Sahel Alma, a Christian town north of Beirut, Lebanon, according to Lebanese sources, amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran continues, March 24, 2026.

Iranian missile intercepted above Lebanon, shrapnel falls on towns in Beirut

Leaflets dropped by the IDF over Beirut, March 13, 2026.

Israel drops leaflets with QR codes over Beirut, urging action against Hezbollah


Netanyahu: Israel ready to support Lebanon's disarmament of Hezbollah with phased IDF pullback

The Lebanese government and army are expected to finalize, by next week, an implementation plan for its decision to disarm Hezbollah.

 IDF operating in Lebanon, published January 16, 2024

IDF must reconsider its approach to Lebanese army, as Hezbollah infiltration revealed - analysis

Over the years, Hezbollah had "placed a significant number of Shi'ite officers" into prominent leadership positions, effectively taking over control of Lebanon's military intelligence.

Members of the Lebanese army walk near Beirut international airport, Lebanon, February 15, 2025

Lebanon looks to disarm Palestinian factions before turning to Hezbollah - analysis

In Lebanon, the pro-Iranian factions continue to take a wait and see approach as to whether the government will actually disarm Hezbollah.

Demonstrators carry flags as they take part in a protest against the hunger crisis in Gaza, in Sidon, Lebanon July 25, 2025

US envoy says Israel should 'comply' with Lebanon plan to disarm terrorist groups

Under phase 1 of the plan, the Lebanese government would issue a decision committing to Hezbollah's disarmament by the end of the year, and Israel would cease military operations in Lebanon.

 U.S. envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack stands at U.S. ambassador's residency in Damascus, Syria May 29, 2025.

Israel Katz says Lebanon's Aoun responsible for Hezbollah violations after IDF strike

The IDF said it struck on Friday evening an active Hezbollah military outpost, as well as underground infrastructure, in southern Lebanon's Beaufort Ridge.

Defense Minister Israel Katz on a tour in the Gaza Strip, August 5, 2025.

Hezbollah chief warns Lebanon: 'No life' if government confronts terror group

This comes after President Joseph Aoun told a senior Iranian official on Tuesday that no group in Lebanon is permitted to bear arms or rely on foreign backing.

Hezbollah's then-deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem seen in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon, August 2, 2024