Lebanese Government Moves to Disarm Hezbollah Amid Rising Tensions

In a significant policy shift, the Lebanese government, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, has directed the national army to develop a plan by the end of August to ensure that only state institutions possess weapons by the end of the year. This move aims to disarm Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shiite political and militant group that has maintained its arsenal since the end of Lebanon's civil war in 1990.

The decision, announced on August 5, 2025, follows mounting pressure from the United States and is part of implementing a November 2024 ceasefire intended to end over a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Prime Minister Salam emphasized the state's duty to monopolize the possession of weapons, stating, "We are committed to strengthening the authority of the state."

Hezbollah has strongly condemned the government's directive, labeling it a "grave sin" that aligns with Israeli interests. The group asserts that disarmament should only occur after the liberation of Lebanese territories still occupied by Israel and the release of Lebanese prisoners. In a televised address, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem warned that any large-scale aggression by Israel would be met with missile attacks, claiming it would collapse Israel's security within an hour.

The United States, represented by envoy Tom Barrack, has been exerting significant pressure on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah. Barrack proposed a disarmament roadmap in exchange for Israel ceasing its attacks and withdrawing from occupied Lebanese territories. However, Hezbollah and its political ally Amal oppose the plan’s sequence, demanding Israeli withdrawal first.

The Lebanese cabinet's decision has exposed internal divisions. Two ministers aligned with Hezbollah and Amal walked out of the cabinet meeting in protest. President Joseph Aoun has expressed support for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which requires all arms in Lebanon to be under state authority. However, negotiations with Hezbollah remain stalled, and the group has stated it will treat the disarmament decision "as if it does not exist."

Hezbollah is the only faction that retained its weapons after Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, justifying its armament as necessary for resistance against Israel. Previous attempts to disarm the group have been unsuccessful, often due to its significant political influence and military capabilities. The current initiative marks the cabinet's first formal discussion of Hezbollah's armament, a step once unthinkable prior to last year's war with Israel.

The government's decision has sparked protests from Hezbollah supporters, who view disarmament as a threat to their political standing and security. The move also raises concerns about potential civil unrest and the delicate balance of Lebanon's sect-based political system. The outcome of this initiative could significantly impact Lebanon's internal stability and its relations with neighboring countries.

Lebanon's directive to disarm Hezbollah represents a bold step toward asserting state control over armed groups. However, the strong opposition from Hezbollah and the complex political landscape suggest that the path to disarmament will be fraught with challenges. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Lebanon can navigate these tensions without descending into further conflict.