Hezbollah declared on 6/8 that the Lebanese government committed a "grave sin" by deciding to disarm the group, whose weapons are used to fight Israel. The group stated the decision "undermines Lebanon's sovereignty and gives Israel full authority to interfere in Lebanon's security, geography, politics, and future existence." "Therefore, we will treat this decision as if it doesn't exist," Hezbollah emphasized.

Following a cabinet meeting on 5/8, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced the government had tasked the army with developing a plan to "limit all weapons to the army and state security forces, to be completed before the end of this year." The Lebanese army is expected to submit the plan by the end of August for discussion and approval.

This move aims to implement the November 2024 ceasefire agreement with Israel, amid increasing pressure from the US. US special envoy Tom Barrack last week urged the Lebanese government to "take immediate action," allowing only state forces to possess and use weapons within Lebanon.

Minister of Health Rakan Nassereldine, a Hezbollah member, and Minister of Environment Tamara Elzein, from Hezbollah's allied Amal Movement, both boycotted the cabinet meeting in protest of the disarmament plan.

Hezbollah said it views the government's move as a "result of instructions from special envoy" Barrack. "This decision completely serves Israel's interests and puts Lebanon in a position of confronting Israel without any means of resistance," the group said.

The Amal Movement, led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, accused the government of "hastily making unreasonable concessions" to Israel, when it should be seeking an end to ongoing attacks.

Hezbollah members in the village of Majadel, southern Lebanon, October 2023. Photo: AP

Hezbollah members in the village of Majadel, southern Lebanon, October 2023. Photo: AP

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on 6/8 that any decision on disarmament "would have to be made by Hezbollah itself." "We support Hezbollah from afar, but do not interfere in their decisions," he said, adding that the group had "rebuilt itself" after losses in the war with Israel.

Hezbollah was founded in the early 1980s with the backing of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to fight Israel. It is not only a militia but also holds considerable social, religious, and political influence within Lebanon's Shiite Muslim community. Its political wing and allies control nearly half the seats in the Lebanese parliament and hold several cabinet positions.

Once considered the most influential faction in Lebanon, Hezbollah has been criticized for using its armed strength to influence domestic policy. However, the group was significantly weakened in its most recent confrontation with Israel, losing most of its senior leaders and a large portion of its weapons.

Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israel has conducted several airstrikes into Lebanese territory in recent months, warning they will continue until Hezbollah is disarmed.

The international community has linked aid to Lebanon with the progress of Hezbollah's disarmament. The US has not yet guaranteed that it will prevent Israel from continuing to attack Lebanon. A Lebanese official revealed that Hezbollah will not give up its weapons "without corresponding concessions, and the US understands that."

Huyen Le (According to AFP)