Lebanese Government Plans Disarmament of Hezbollah Amid Opposition

The Lebanese government has taken a historic step by committing to disarm Hezbollah, a move that breaks with decades of recognizing the group as a legitimate resistance force against Israeli occupation. The cabinet has tasked the Lebanese army with preparing a detailed disarmament plan by the end of 2025, under US pressure and in line with international law, despite ongoing Israeli military incursions into Lebanese territory. Hezbollah has vehemently rejected the disarmament efforts, calling them impossible and pledging to continue armed resistance, arguing that disarmament should only be considered if Israel fully withdraws from occupied Lebanese areas. This decision has deepened political and sectarian divisions within Lebanon, with Hezbollah-aligned ministers boycotting government sessions and their supporters staging protests. Critics argue that the US-backed plan lacks guarantees for Israeli withdrawal and disproportionately burdens Lebanon to comply with international norms while Israel continues its aggressive actions. The unfolding situation places the Lebanese army in a difficult position as it faces internal dissent and escalating external pressures to assert state control over all armed groups.