Merz advocated for the disarmament of the Hezbollah militia, which has been supported by Iran. In response, Hezbollah has urged the Lebanese government to cancel a scheduled meeting with Israel in Washington, deeming it futile. The upcoming talks, set for ambassadorial level, aim for a permanent peace agreement, contingent upon Hezbollah’s disarmament. Conversely, Lebanon seeks an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from its territory. This report was broadcast on Deutschlandfunk on April 13, 2026.