The cabinet of Lebanon supports the army’s plan to disarm Hezbollah
An army plan to disarm Hezbollah has been approved by Lebanon’s government, but its future is uncertain due to political divisions and a lack of military capability.
Although it raises many problems, Lebanon’s cabinet on Friday approved an army plan to disarm Hezbollah, highlighting the nation’s widening political divide.
During a three-hour cabinet meeting, army commander Rodolphe Haykal unveiled the plan, which is the first formal attempt to address one of Lebanon’s most divisive topics. Ministers admitted that the army’s inadequate material and logistical capabilities could impede development, but no implementation date was established.
Although the administration had praised the suggestion, Information Minister Paul Morcos refrained from formally announcing its adoption. He emphasized that the plan’s implementation would take “more time and additional effort” and noted that specifics would be kept private.
As Haykal entered the chamber, the five Shi’ite cabinet ministers left in protest, causing chaos in the meeting. Labour Minister Mohammad Haidar warned that any decision made without Shi’ite representation would be “null and void,” citing Lebanon’s complex sectarian power-sharing structure. Hezbollah supporters swiftly condemned the idea.
Since last year’s war with Israel, which upset a power balance that had been created for a long time by the Iran-backed organization, the discussion surrounding Hezbollah’s weapons has gotten more heated. The United States, Saudi Arabia, and internal opponents—especially those in Lebanon’s Christian and Sunni political blocs—have increased their calls for Hezbollah to disarm.
However, Hezbollah has vehemently opposed disarmament talks, claiming that it would be a great mistake to give up its arsenal while Israel continues to carry out attacks and maintain its occupation of southern Lebanon. Israeli strikes on Wednesday killed four people, which strengthened the group’s position even more.
In a nation already stretched by political stalemate, economic collapse, and the consequences of war, the cabinet’s support of the army plan is certain to exacerbate tensions. The initiative’s future is still unclear because there is no set deadline and no agreement among Lebanon’s groups.
