The Lebanese government has tasked the Lebanese army with developing a comprehensive plan to ensure the monopoly of arms by the state by the end of 2025, amid rising domestic and international pressures. This move, discussed extensively in recent cabinet sessions held at Baabda Palace, aims to disarm Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, which has rejected the government's decision and labeled it a "grave sin." The government postponed final approval of the disarmament plan to a future session, with the army expected to present its proposal by the end of August. The Lebanese Justice Minister emphasized the necessity of state control over weapons for a fully sovereign state, noting Hezbollah's arms have not protected Lebanon since 2000 and have led to destructive outcomes. The Lebanese Foreign Minister described the government's decision as historic, final, and irreversible, reflecting the aspirations of the Lebanese people. Hezbollah and allied Shiite ministers boycotted cabinet meetings in protest, accusing the government of undermining Lebanon's sovereignty and serving Israeli interests. The U.S. has proposed a four-phase plan to disarm Hezbollah within 120 days, which includes ending Israeli military operations in Lebanon and facilitating Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon, followed by economic support and reconstruction efforts. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun acknowledged that the process of consolidating arms under state control may take time. The cabinet continues to debate the U.S. proposal, with Hezbollah criticizing the plan as a violation of Lebanon's national agreements and warning of potential escalations. Despite opposition, Lebanese officials stress the importance of strengthening the state's authority and preserving national security through a unified defense strategy.
مصادر مقربة من حزب الله لسكاي نيوز عربية: الرئيس اللبناني جوزيف عون مؤتمن على الحفاظ على الميثاقية
مصادر مقربة من حزب الله لسكاي نيوز عربية: نعتبر أن الاتفاق الذي يجب تطبيقه هو اتفاق وقف إطلاق النار وعلى الجانب الإسرائيلي تطبيقه
مصادر مقربة من حزب الله لسكاي نيوز عربية: انسحبنا لأن الحكومة لم تصحح الخلل الذي حصل بالجلسة السابقة