Hezbollah refuses Lebanon\’s cabinet move to disarm
Southern Lebanon under a Teetering Truce
In a fragile pause between Israel and Hezbollah, UN peacekeepers patrol the southern border while Lebanese leaders grapple with a controversial move to disarm the militant group. The decision, seen as a step toward restoring state authority, has drawn fierce criticism from Hezbollah and other political factions.
Hezbollah’s Resounding Condemnation
- “Grave sin” – The Iran‑backed organization described the cabinet’s decision as a serious error that erodes Lebanon’s sovereignty.
- “Treat as nonexistent” – Hezbollah said it will consider the move as if it never existed, ignoring the government’s plan to restrict weapons.
Government’s Response and U.S. Pressure
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that the army will develop a plan to limit weapons to government forces by year‑end. The proposal will be presented by the end of August for discussion and approval, with another cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday to continue the talks, including a U.S.‑proposed timetable for disarmament.
U.S. Influence and Israel’s Continued Assaults
- U.S. envoy Tom Barrack – Hezbollah accused the decision of being dictated by American envoy.
- Israel’s air strikes – Israel launched a series of air strikes on southern Lebanon, wounding several people and killing one person in the town of Tulin.
Political Fallout in the Cabinet
Two ministers affiliated with Hezbollah and its ally Amal walked out of Tuesday’s meeting, calling the walkout an expression of rejection of the government’s decision to subject Lebanon to American tutelage and Israeli occupation. Hezbollah, the Lebanese Forces, the Free Patriotic Movement, and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered varied perspectives on the disarmament issue, highlighting the complexity of the situation.
