Lebanese Army Plans State Monopoly Over Weapons by Year-End

Lebanon's government, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, has tasked the Lebanese Armed Forces with preparing a comprehensive plan to consolidate all weapons under state control by the end of 2025, a move aimed primarily at disarming Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting amid ongoing discussions influenced by a U.S.-backed proposal emphasizing the need to curb Hezbollah’s military independence as a condition for continued diplomatic and financial support. However, the formal announcement of Hezbollah’s disarmament has been deferred for further discussion in an upcoming cabinet meeting. Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem has strongly rejected any timeline for surrendering weapons, citing continued Israeli military actions against Lebanon as justification for maintaining their arms. The situation reflects growing domestic and regional pressure on Lebanon to assert full sovereignty and control over its territory, particularly following renewed cross-border violence with Israel. Despite the postponement, the Lebanese government remains committed to strengthening state authority over armed groups as part of broader efforts to stabilize the country.