Hezbollah Defies Lebanese Government's Disarmament Plan
This unprecedented stance follows heavy US pressure and escalating Israeli strikes on Lebanon as Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated Tuesday the army must draft a plan by August's end to restrict all weapons to state forces. Furthermore, the government aims to implement this change before 2025 concludes. Consequently, another critical cabinet meeting is scheduled for Thursday.
Hezbollah accused the government of undermining Lebanon's sovereignty and enabling Israeli aggression. 'This decision gives Israel a free hand over Lebanon's security and future,' the Iran-backed group asserted. It views the move as dictated by US envoy Tom Barrack, solely serving Israeli interests. Therefore, Hezbollah insists Israel must halt attacks before any weapons discussion begins. Government Pushes Ceasefire Implementation
The cabinet framed its decision as fulfilling the November ceasefire ending over a year of Israel-Hezbollah conflict. However, Israel continues strikes despite the truce, threatening further action until disarming Hezbollah. An Israeli strike killed one person in Tulin Wednesday while other attacks wounded at least two more. The military claimed targets included Hezbollah weapons storage and infrastructure.
Two Hezbollah-affiliated ministers walked out of Tuesday's session, rejecting 'American tutelage and Israeli occupation.' The Amal movement echoed this, accusing the government of rushing 'gratuitous concessions' to Israel. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Forces party hailed the disarmament push as 'a pivotal moment' restoring state authority. The Free Patriotic Movement also supported transferring weapons to the army to strengthen national defense.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated disarmament decisions ultimately rest with Hezbollah alone. 'We support it from afar but do not intervene,' he clarified, noting the group's post-war recovery. Hezbollah emerged weakened politically and militarily from the recent conflict, its leadership decimated. Nevertheless, the group remains 'prepared to discuss a national security strategy,' but only after ending Israeli aggression. This defiant stance now directly challenges Lebanon's government and its international partners.
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