Hezbollah official Ammar Al-Moussawi has been on a secret three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, coordinated through Turkish mediation following his trip to Istanbul for the “Al-Ahd for Jerusalem Conference,” according to Nidaa Al-Watan.
Sources cited by the newspaper said the meetings focused on providing “reassurances” regarding the recent “Mechanism” meeting held between Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives, as an alternative to including Shiite and Sunni members at the committee meeting.
The two sides also reportedly touched on the possibility of postponing parliamentary elections, pending developments in Lebanon and the wider region. While reconstruction in southern Lebanon was not on the agenda, sources noted that the visit could pave the way for future Saudi assistance. They emphasized that the talks reflect Saudi Arabia’s goal of ensuring that all weapons fall under the exclusive control of the Lebanese state, while facilitating a smooth transition.
The meeting was conducted under the supervision of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and with the knowledge of President Joseph Aoun, according to sources.
Hezbollah’s Outreach Amid Regional Shifts
In September, Hezbollah’s Naim Kassem called on Saudi Arabia to “open a new chapter” in bilateral relations and to address past disputes, including their shared opposition to Israel. While these appeals have not led to formal diplomatic rapprochement, they highlight an irony at the heart of Hezbollah’s strategy: despite rejecting Lebanon’s full sovereignty, the militant group is actively courting regional governments such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia to secure political leverage, financial support, and diplomatic cover. Facing growing international pressure to disarm, declining satisfaction among its Shiite base, and mounting financial challenges, Hezbollah’s outreach to Riyadh reflects an effort to recalibrate its strategy amid shifting regional dynamics.
Hezbollah’s outreach to regional governments stands in stark contrast to international efforts to curb the group’s military capabilities. Today, Saudi, Lebanese, and US officials met in Paris to discuss a roadmap for Hezbollah’s disarmament and support for the Lebanese army, marking a pivotal moment in efforts to reinforce the ceasefire, pressure the group to comply with disarmament commitments and stabilize southern Lebanon amid ongoing Israeli strikes.
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