Lebanese Cabinet Plans Army Disarm Hezbollah Amid US Pressure, Sectarian Tensions

The Lebanese government is preparing for a pivotal cabinet session to discuss an army plan aimed at disarming Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed group that strongly opposes the initiative, accusing the government of betraying Lebanon to Israel and the United States. This plan, drafted under intense U.S. pressure and fears of escalating Israeli strikes, is intended to implement a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement from November that ended over a year of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. Hezbollah and its allies, including the Amal Movement, have threatened to boycott the discussion and warned of potential political backlash such as ministerial resignations or mass protests if the disarmament is enforced. The session occurs amid recent intensified Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, which have killed civilians and heightened tensions. Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, have emphasized the government's commitment to extending state authority over arms while calling for calm and dialogue. Analysts note that Israel's military actions appear to be pressuring Lebanon toward concrete disarmament measures, but the situation remains highly sensitive with risks of further internal and regional conflict.