Joseph Aoun

Hezbollah may return to political assassinations as control over Lebanon weakens, expert says

In recent months, Hezbollah has faced growing restrictions on its power, including new legislation limiting its ability to legally possess weapons and conduct military activity.

A protester holds a picture of Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem during a demonstration in Riad Al Solh Square in Beirut, Lebanon, on April 11, 2026.
Vehicles drive past a billboard depicting Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun and reading "the choice is for Lebanon" on April 24, 2026 in the capital Beirut.

US says Aoun-Netanyahu meeting could help restore Lebanese control in southern Lebanon

People carry the coffins of three Hezbollah terrorists during their funeral ceremony, amid a temporary ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, in the village of Al-Halloussiyah, southern Lebanon, April 25, 2026.

Israel and Lebanon’s complicated talks: Is Hezbollah’s disarmament possible? - opinion

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun pictured at the Presidential PAlace, Baabda, Lebanon, February 16, 2026.

Negotiating with Israel 'not treason,' Lebanon's Aoun says, stressing goal is to end war


Lebanon to draft plan for Hezbollah disarmament on Sunday, US envoy says

Israel will give a counterproposal when it receives Lebanon's plan, Barrack said after meeting with the Lebanese president in Beirut.

Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem appears on a screen as people gather to watch the public funeral ceremony of Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, who were killed in Israeli airstrikes last year, on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon February 23, 2025.

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