Additional Coverage:
- ‘Pivotal moment’ for Lebanon as cabinet backs army plan to disarm Hezbollah amid growing US pressure (cnn.com)
Beirut on Brink as Government Unveils Hezbollah Disarmament Plan
In a move that could reshape the volatile political landscape of Lebanon, the government has endorsed a plan to disarm Hezbollah, the heavily armed Shiite political party and militia. The unprecedented decision, announced Friday, has been met with immediate resistance from Hezbollah and its allies, raising fears of potential internal conflict.
The Lebanese Army is tasked with carrying out the disarmament plan, though the specifics remain confidential. Information Minister Paul Morcos acknowledged the army’s potential limitations in tackling such a formidable force. While no timeline has been publicly disclosed, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam confirmed the army will provide monthly progress reports to the cabinet.
This bold initiative comes amidst intense pressure from the United States and regional powers to address Hezbollah’s substantial military capabilities. The group, backed by Iran, is considered a major non-state threat to Israel.
Despite being weakened by Israeli operations in recent years, Hezbollah retains considerable influence within Lebanon, particularly among the Shiite community. Experts warn that forced disarmament could ignite a civil war.
The government’s stated goal is to bring all militia weapons under state control by the end of the year. A senior Lebanese official, speaking anonymously, described the situation as “pivotal” and confirmed the aim of initiating the weapons handover by year’s end.
Hezbollah’s dual role as a political party with parliamentary representation and a provider of social services further complicates the issue. Critics have called for the group to disband its military wing and operate solely as a political entity. Hezbollah’s unique status stems from the 1990 Taif Agreement, which exempted it from disarmament due to its resistance against Israeli occupation.
The recent conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, sparked by Hezbollah’s support for Hamas, has further strained the situation. The conflict significantly weakened Hezbollah, culminating in the death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. While a US-brokered ceasefire was intended to halt Israeli attacks, continued Israeli presence within Lebanon has strengthened Hezbollah’s resolve to remain armed.
The government’s decision to pursue disarmament has drawn accusations of treason from Hezbollah supporters, who point to the continued Israeli presence in Lebanese territory. Conversely, Hezbollah’s opponents blame the group for instigating the conflict with Israel.
US envoys are actively engaged in mediating negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, focusing on Hezbollah’s disarmament and Israeli withdrawal. While the Lebanese Armed Forces and the government have stated their intention is to convince Hezbollah to disarm peacefully, details on how this will be achieved remain scarce.
A senior Lebanese official stressed the detrimental impact of ongoing Israeli strikes on the disarmament efforts. Hezbollah justifies its armed status as a means of self-defense against Israeli aggression, emphasizing the need for Israel’s complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory. While Israeli officials have previously indicated an indefinite military presence in Lebanon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently suggested a phased withdrawal contingent on Hezbollah’s disarmament.