Hezbollah Sees Lebanon Army Disarmament Plan, In the heart of Lebanon, a new chapter is unfolding, one that carries both hope and uncertainty. The recent cabinet session on the army’s plan to establish a state monopoly on arms has sparked widespread attention, and Hezbollah has now voiced its perspective. For many Lebanese citizens, this moment feels like a delicate balance between peace and further conflict. With tensions already high following Israeli military actions, the path forward seems to depend not just on Lebanon’s decisions but also on Israel’s willingness to cease its operations.
Hezbollah Responds to Lebanon Army Disarmament Plan
Hezbollah official Mahmoud Qmati described Friday’s cabinet session as an “opportunity to return to wisdom and reason, preventing the country from slipping into the unknown.” The Lebanese cabinet welcomed the army’s proposed plan to disarm Hezbollah, signaling the start of a process to place arms solely under state control. However, no timeline has been provided for when or how this will be executed.
Qmati emphasized that the success of this initiative hinges on Israel’s actions, specifically its commitment to halt military strikes and withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon. Without such measures, he stated, the implementation of the plan should remain “suspended until further notice.”
Why Hezbollah Rejects Immediate Disarmament
Hezbollah’s leadership has “unequivocally rejected” the government’s previous decisions, including the U.S.-backed roadmap that seeks to disarm the group in exchange for an end to Israeli operations. According to Qmati, Lebanon must first establish a genuine national defense strategy before proceeding with any disarmament plan steps.
The group argues that discussing disarmament plan while Israel continues air strikes and military presence is both premature and dangerous. Hezbollah maintains that its arms are a means of defense, particularly given the ongoing threats from Israel.
Lebanon Under Pressure from International and Regional Forces
The push to disarm Hezbollah is not solely a domestic debate. The United States, Saudi Arabia, and Hezbollah’s political rivals within Lebanon are urging for swift action. They view disarmament plan as a critical step toward stabilizing the country and reducing the risk of further conflict.
Meanwhile, Israel has hinted at scaling back its military operations in southern Lebanon if the Lebanese army actively moves forward with the disarmament plan. Yet, continued Israeli strikes, including those that killed four people on Wednesday, have cast doubt over these intentions.
Hezbollah Warns of Potential Civil Unrest
Hezbollah’s Secretary General, Naim Qassem, recently warned that any aggressive attempts to disarm the group could lead to civil unrest, even raising the specter of civil war. He mentioned that street protests are a possible outcome if the government pursues disarmament plan without addressing ongoing Israeli actions.
This warning highlights the fragile political and social balance within Lebanon. A rushed or forceful approach could further divide the country, which is already grappling with economic struggles and political instability.
What This Means for Lebanon’s Future
The coming months will likely determine whether this disarmament plan becomes a genuine step toward peace or a source of deeper conflict. For now, the Lebanese army has been tasked with preparing to enforce a state monopoly on arms, but its limited capabilities and the external pressures make this an uphill challenge.
Qmati’s statement reflects Hezbollah’s cautious willingness to engage in dialogue but only under conditions that include a verified Israeli ceasefire and troop withdrawal. Without these measures, the plan remains stalled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Lebanon army’s disarmament plan about?
The plan aims to place all arms under the control of the Lebanese state, effectively disarming groups like Hezbollah. - Why does Hezbollah call this an ‘opportunity’?
Hezbollah views it as a chance for reason and dialogue, provided that Israeli military actions are halted. - What role does Israel play in this issue?
Israel’s ongoing strikes and military presence in southern Lebanon are major factors affecting whether the plan can move forward. - Who supports the disarmament plan?
The U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Hezbollah’s domestic rivals are advocating for the plan’s implementation. - Could this lead to conflict within Lebanon?
Yes, Hezbollah leaders have warned that forced disarmament plan without a ceasefire could trigger protests or even civil unrest.
Conclusion: Lebanon stands at a crossroads. The plan to disarm Hezbollah under the state’s authority is both a bold step and a risky gamble. Success will depend not only on the Lebanese government’s determination but also on Israel’s willingness to cease its military activities. For now, the people of Lebanon watch and wait, hoping that this “opportunity” does not lead to greater instability.
Disclaimer: This article is based on current reports and statements from officials. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not reflect any political endorsement or stance.
