Lebanon’s Cabinet has directed the national army to draft a plan by year’s end to bring all weapons under state authority, directly challenging Hezbollah’s longstanding independence from government control.
This significant move, prompted by increasing U.S. pressure and concern over potential Israeli escalation, aims to limit armed power to six official security institutions. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam confirmed the decision following a lengthy Cabinet meeting, marking the first formal government acknowledgment of Hezbollah’s weapons — a topic once considered off-limits due to the group’s political dominance.
As the Cabinet met in Baabda, Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem publicly dismissed the effort, rejecting any disarmament timeline and asserting the group’s essential role in national defense. His remarks were followed by a show of support, with Hezbollah flag-bearing motorcyclists rallying in Beirut’s suburbs for the second consecutive day.
Two Shia ministers left the session in protest, while two others were absent. Information Minister Paul Morcos stated that the army must submit its plan by the end of August, though no consensus was reached on the U.S.-proposed disarmament deal, which includes Israeli withdrawal from certain border points and a halt to airstrikes in return for Hezbollah giving up its weapons.
Despite U.S. pressure, Lebanese officials remain divided. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is reportedly working to moderate Cabinet language, proposing a focus on a broader national defense strategy rather than explicit disarmament — a compromise Hezbollah may accept. However, ministers aligned with the Lebanese Forces Party are pushing for a firm deadline.
Meanwhile, the fragile U.S.-mediated ceasefire from November remains in place, but Israeli strikes continue in southern Lebanon. Lebanese leaders fear further delays or missteps could spark a wider conflict and deepen instability.
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