Hezbollah Leader Open to Official Meeting with Syrian Leadership to Discuss Regional Stability

Hezbollah leader Naeem Qassem stated on Tuesday that he does not oppose holding an official meeting between Hezbollah and the Syrian leadership in the future. This marks the first public expression of interest from Hezbollah for such a meeting, following similar remarks from Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Qassem emphasized the mutual support between a stable Syria and a stable Lebanon, noting that Lebanon's stability depends on stability in southern Lebanon. He asserted that Israel's only option is a full withdrawal from the region.

Qassem also expressed Hezbollah's support for deploying the Lebanese army south of the Litani River, pledging the group's maximum assistance as it has provided in the past. Earlier this week, Syrian President al-Sharaa told Al Jazeera that Damascus is in contact with Beirut to ensure Lebanon's stability, warning that any chaos in Lebanon would directly affect Syria. He also voiced support for the Lebanese government's monopoly over weapons and decision-making related to war and peace.

These statements highlight ongoing efforts by Hezbollah and Syria to coordinate on security and political stability in Lebanon amid regional tensions, with potential future dialogue between the two sides expected to address these issues further.