Lebanon to unveil Hezbollah disarmament strategy in the coming days, according to a US official.
Lebanon has taken pivotal steps toward addressing the ongoing dynamics surrounding Hezbollah’s military presence within its borders. In a recent announcement, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack revealed that Lebanon is formulating a strategy aimed at persuading Hezbollah to disarm. Concurrently, Israel is expected to present a framework detailing its military withdrawal from the region. This dialogue follows Hezbollah’s firm stance against disarmament amid ongoing Israeli military actions and territorial occupations in southern Lebanon.
During discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut, Barrack emphasized that the initiative would not employ military force but rather focus on diplomatic avenues to encourage Hezbollah’s transition away from its armed status. The Lebanese leadership, as articulated by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, is pursuing an irreversible commitment to unify weapons under state control, with plans for a detailed proposal expected next week.
Earlier this month, the Lebanese cabinet approved the objectives outlined in a U.S. proposal aimed at restricting weapon possession to state entities alone. Despite Hezbollah’s resistance to this decision—viewing it as a capitulation to foreign pressures—there remains a constructive dialogue between Lebanon and the U.S. on this matter. Barrack noted that both the Lebanese and Israeli governments are encouraged to align their actions as Lebanon embarks on this new approach.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, however, has publicly refused to relinquish the group’s arms, linking the retention of military capabilities to Lebanon’s sovereignty and resistance to Israeli aggression. His comments underscore the group’s historical role as a bulwark against external threats. Qassem emphasizes that dialogue regarding national defense strategy should only commence once Israel adheres to the terms of a November 2024 ceasefire agreement, which mandates Israeli military withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
Israel has indicated a potential scaling back of its military operations in southern Lebanon contingent upon the Lebanese armed forces taking decisive action against Hezbollah. Describing this development as historic, Barrack stated that Israel is prepared to withdraw from Lebanon, contingent on a clear plan for Hezbollah’s disarmament.
The regional dynamics are further complicated by the broader economic implications for Hezbollah fighters and their families, who would be affected by any shift away from armed affiliation. Barrack highlighted that Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have expressed readiness to support the Lebanese economy to facilitate this transition, especially in Hezbollah strongholds.
This recent exchange aims to address the nuanced balance of power within Lebanon, fostering stability while acknowledging the historical context of resistance against foreign aggression. The international community is observing these developments with interest, as they may signal a shift toward a more peaceful and cooperative regional landscape.
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