BEIRUT: Hezbollah has strongly opposed Lebanon’s cabinet decision to disarm the group, declaring it a “grave sin” and stating it will treat the decision as if it does not exist.
The Lebanese government, under significant pressure from the US and amid fears of Israeli escalation, has instructed the army to develop a plan to limit weapons to state forces by the end of the year. This initiative is part of implementing a ceasefire from November aimed at ending hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
Hezbollah criticized the decision, claiming it undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty and serves Israeli interests, leaving Lebanon vulnerable to Israeli aggression. The group emphasized that it was the only faction to retain weapons after Lebanon’s civil war and accused the government of caving to external pressures, particularly from the US envoy Tom Barrack.
Politically, the move has sparked divisions: Hezbollah and its allies see it as capitulation and a threat to national security, while opponents like the Lebanese Forces and Kataeb view it as a positive step toward restoring state authority. Some ministers aligned with Hezbollah and the Amal movement walked out of the cabinet meeting to protest what they described as the government’s subjugation to US and Israeli interests.
The situation remains tense, with Hezbollah demanding that Israeli strikes cease before engaging in discussions on disarmament and national security. The debate highlights ongoing struggles over Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and the influence of external powers in its internal affairs.
