Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri has reportedly informed U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack that Beirut will not commit to restricting weapons north of the Litani River before the end of the year, even in the event of a full Israeli withdrawal, according to sources cited by Al-Hadath.

According to the sources, Hezbollah has flatly rejected the idea of handing over its weapons under any circumstances, including a potential Israeli withdrawal. The group’s military wing has reportedly told Berri that it will not comply with any disarmament decision, and is not interested in participating in economic reconstruction or international investment conferences.

“Hezbollah is saying no one in the party has the authority to take the decision to disarm,” the source said, warning that the group is ready for confrontation if the state attempts to impose such a move.

Despite Hezbollah’s hardline position, both President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam appear determined to chart a different course. According to the same sources, there is growing consensus between the presidency and the premiership that Lebanon must not squander the chance to reconnect with the Arab world and the broader international community due to what one official described as “the obstinance of certain individuals within Hezbollah.”

The two institutions are reportedly preparing to move forward with a public commitment to limit the possession of weapons to state institutions by the end of the year at the latest.