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Lebanon firm on disarming Hezbollah, seeks to arrest non-state actors brandishing automatic weapons
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Lebanon is determined to disarm Hezbollah as it cannot have a parallel structure running the country, that too a terror organisation.
According to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat, people at different levels in the Lebanese government have called for arrest of those brandishing automatic weapons with an aim fuel distrust and violence. Many made it abundantly clear that the arms and ammunition should be under the exclusive control of arms by the State only.
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Hezbollah's disarmament and government pressure: The Lebanese government is currently seeking to disarm non-state actors, a move that places pressure on Hezbollah, especially after the group's top leadership was killed and a significant portion of its arsenal was destroyed during a war with Israel that concluded with a ceasefire agreement in November 2024. The US-brokered truce stipulates that all armed groups in Lebanon must disarm.
Arrests ordered after armed display: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam ordered the arrest of armed men who participated in a Shiite religious gathering in Beirut. Videos circulating online showed individuals carrying automatic weapons and chanting the name of Imam Hussein bin Ali, the Prophet Mohammed's grandson. These men are suspected to be Hezbollah supporters. Salam stated that armed demonstrations in Beirut are unacceptable under any circumstances.
Parliamentary concerns: Member of Parliament Ghassan Hasbani, a former deputy prime minister, emphasised the need for the government to take a firm stance against displays of weapons in the capital, urging security officials to enforce laws, confiscate weapons, and arrest those carrying them. Another MP, Ibrahim Mneimneh, echoed these concerns, calling on the judiciary and security authorities to act immediately and arrest those who appeared in the online videos.
US concerns over Hezbollah's influence: The United States has expressed concerns over Hezbollah's role in Lebanese politics. A US official stated that the US has set a 'red line' against Hezbollah joining the Lebanese government. Additionally, there are reports of increased searches at Beirut airport for passengers arriving from Iraq, aimed at preventing funds transfers to Hezbollah.
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International efforts for Palestinian Statehood: Amid regional tensions, international efforts are underway to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. France will formally recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, a move praised by Palestinian officials but criticized by Israel and the United States.
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