Why it matters:
According to previously presented American documents, Hezbollah’s forced disarmament has been presented as a condition for receiving foreign financial aid, the reconstruction of the country, and even the release of Lebanese prisoners. This reveals that Washington and Tel Aviv aim to use Lebanon’s survival as leverage to impose their demands.
The big picture:
The proposal, pushed by U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barak and approved by the cabinet in a session boycotted by Shiite ministers, demands that only the state should hold weapons, specifically targeting Hezbollah’s legitimate right to self-defense. The resistance group and its supporters see this as a direct capitulation to American and Israeli pressures that would leave Lebanon vulnerable.
What they are saying:
Protesters condemned U.S. and Israeli interference, framing the disarmament plan as a betrayal of Lebanon’s sovereignty and right to self-defense.
Information Minister Paul Markov announced the cabinet's approval of the army's plan to establish a state monopoly on weapons.
Hezbollah strongly condemned the proposal, emphasizing it violates Lebanon’s right to defend itself against Israeli aggression and was passed under foreign pressure without national consensus.
Key points:
- Protests included motorcycle rallies, car caravans, and large crowds gathering in streets, particularly in the southern suburbs of Beirut (Dahieh).
- The cabinet tasked the Lebanese army with preparing a detailed plan for implementing this disarmament by the end of August.
- Hezbollah considers its arsenal a non-negotiable deterrent against Israeli aggression. Forced disarmament could trigger serious internal conflict.
Go deeper:
Shiekh Qassem: Hezbollah’s Arms Are Lebanon’s Shield Against Israel
M.Majdi - ahmad shirzadian
