In a striking response to the Lebanese government's new arms control plans, Hezbollah has branded the initiative a "grave sin." The Iranian-backed militant group indicated on Wednesday that it would treat the government's effort as nonexistent, aiming to maintain its considerable arsenal despite increasing international demands for disarmament.
The Lebanese cabinet has mandated the military to devise a comprehensive strategy to centralize arms within state forces by year-end. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam confirmed that a detailed plan would be shared with cabinet officials for evaluation later this month. This approach appears to stem from external pressures, particularly strong admonitions from American officials who recently proposed a disarmament roadmap. This plan suggests that Hezbollah's complete disarmament would be contingent on Israel's withdrawal from occupied territories in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah responded firmly, with its leader Naim Qassem rejecting any dialogue concerning disarmament while Israeli airstrikes persist, which the group accuses of violating a ceasefire agreement established in November. Qassem portrayed the government's arms control resolution as a product of American influence, dismissing its legitimacy.
Despite suffering a degradation of power during the last year's conflict with Israel, Hezbollah is careful not to appear vulnerable to its domestic rivals in the sectarian landscape of Lebanese politics. Although its influence has been challenged, the group continues to enjoy significant support among Shia Muslim communities, heightening concerns that discussions around disarmament could rekindle memories of Lebanon's civil unrest from 1975 to 1990.
The Lebanese cabinet has mandated the military to devise a comprehensive strategy to centralize arms within state forces by year-end. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam confirmed that a detailed plan would be shared with cabinet officials for evaluation later this month. This approach appears to stem from external pressures, particularly strong admonitions from American officials who recently proposed a disarmament roadmap. This plan suggests that Hezbollah's complete disarmament would be contingent on Israel's withdrawal from occupied territories in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah responded firmly, with its leader Naim Qassem rejecting any dialogue concerning disarmament while Israeli airstrikes persist, which the group accuses of violating a ceasefire agreement established in November. Qassem portrayed the government's arms control resolution as a product of American influence, dismissing its legitimacy.
Despite suffering a degradation of power during the last year's conflict with Israel, Hezbollah is careful not to appear vulnerable to its domestic rivals in the sectarian landscape of Lebanese politics. Although its influence has been challenged, the group continues to enjoy significant support among Shia Muslim communities, heightening concerns that discussions around disarmament could rekindle memories of Lebanon's civil unrest from 1975 to 1990.
