Lebanon prepares for a high-stakes cabinet session on Friday to debate the army’s plan for disarming Hezbollah. The powerful Iran-backed group fiercely opposes this move, accusing the government of betraying Lebanon to Israel and the United States. This critical discussion follows intense US pressure and Israeli military threats earlier this year.
In August, fearing severe Israeli retaliation, Lebanon’s leaders demanded the army draft a disarmament plan targeting completion by year’s end, with officials insisting this action fulfills the US-brokered November ceasefire agreement ending over a year of cross-border fighting. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam declared the path toward state monopoly on arms and war decisions has begun with no turning back. Consequently, the cabinet must now confront this pivotal challenge directly.
Hezbollah Vows Stiff Resistance
Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc reiterated its opposition Wednesday, labeling the government’s decision “unpatriotic” and demanding reversal. Group leader Naim Qassem accused authorities of handing Lebanon to Israel through this push. Furthermore, the pro-Hezbollah Al Akhbar newspaper reported its ministers might boycott Friday’s discussion entirely. Qassem noted they postponed protests recently to allow dialogue but warned, “if it is imposed on us, we will face it.”
Meanwhile, intensified Israeli airstrikes struck southern Lebanon over the past two days, killing at least five civilians according to official sources. Senior analyst David Wood observed, “Israel is trying to send a message that only concrete action on disarmament will do the job.” He warned cabinet approval could trigger Hezbollah responses like forcing Shiite ministers to resign or organizing mass protests. Speaker Nabih Berri urgently called Sunday for “calm and consensual dialogue” to ease tensions.
Shifting Power Dynamics
Historically, Hezbollah dominated Lebanese politics as the sole armed faction after the civil war, resisting state control in the name of fighting Israel. However, its recent devastating war with Israel and the fall of Syrian ally Bashar al-Assad have significantly weakened the group.
Nevertheless, this disarmament push represents Lebanon’s most serious attempt yet to assert state authority over all armed forces. The cabinet’s decision this Friday will profoundly test the nation’s fragile stability and future direction. Ultimately, Lebanon stands at a critical crossroads demanding courageous leadership.
