Lebanese Cabinet Approves U.S. 120-Day Plan to Disarm Hezbollah, Deploy Army, End Israeli Presence, and Support Reconstruction

The Lebanese government has approved the objectives of a U.S. proposal aimed at disarming all militant groups across Lebanon, including Hezbollah, and ending Israeli military operations in the country. The plan, spanning 120 days and divided into four stages, calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army along the border areas. It also includes indirect negotiations with Israel to delineate land borders. The final phase of the U.S. plan focuses on economic support and reconstruction efforts to boost Lebanon's infrastructure. Lebanese Information Minister Paul Markous stated that the cabinet agreed to end all armed presence, including Hezbollah, across Lebanese territory. The approval was described as a historic and bold decision by Lebanese officials and welcomed by U.S. envoy Tom Breck, who noted it initiates the path toward a unified nation and army. The plan aligns with the November 2024 ceasefire agreement, which Lebanon has begun implementing. Some Lebanese political figures emphasized the need for real implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which neither Israel nor Hezbollah fully observed since 2006, leading to the 2024 ceasefire. The Lebanese government convened with nearly full attendance, except for the finance minister who was traveling. Hezbollah called for forcing Israel to stop attacks and withdraw from Lebanon. The Lebanese Foreign Ministry condemned Iranian official Iraj Harirchi's remarks on Lebanon's internal affairs as interference. Parliamentary member Waddah Sadek noted intimidation attempts against Minister Fadi Mekki and criticized claims about government legitimacy as fabricated by war militias. Former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora rejected accusations that the government is submissive to Washington and Israel, emphasizing Lebanon's need to implement Resolution 1701 effectively.