Lebanese government resumes talks on disarming Hezbollah amid US pressure

ISTANBUL

The Lebanese government reconvened Thursday to continue discussions on disarming Hezbollah, as tensions rise over a controversial US-backed proposal to place all weapons under state control by the end of the year.

The session, held at the Baabda Presidential Palace, was chaired by President Joseph Aoun and attended by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and ministers. It followed an earlier meeting between Aoun and Salam to discuss the latest developments.

According to the government, the cabinet is reviewing the implementation of its ministerial statement, particularly its commitment to “extend state sovereignty over all Lebanese territory exclusively through its own forces,” in line with the arrangements tied to the November 2024 ceasefire.

The talks revolve around a US proposal delivered by envoy Tom Barrack, which outlines a timeline for disarming Hezbollah as part of a broader strategy to consolidate state authority and avoid further Israeli escalation. The plan mandates the Lebanese army to develop a concrete mechanism for implementing the disarmament before Dec. 31, with a final decision expected afterward.

Hezbollah, however, has firmly rejected the initiative, calling it a “grave sin” and warning of serious political consequences. The group’s ministers, along with their allies from the Amal Movement, either walked out or were absent from Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, which authorized the army to begin drafting the plan.

In a statement, Hezbollah said it considers the government’s move “nonexistent” and vowed to resist any decision that would strip the country of its “resistance against Israeli aggression.” Secretary-General Naim Qassem said his group would not accept any disarmament timetable while Israel continues to occupy Lebanese territory and violate the ceasefire.

“This is a national security issue, not just an internal matter. We are ready to discuss a defense strategy, but not under the pressure of aggression,” he said.

The controversy marks a significant political standoff within Lebanon, as US officials reportedly press Beirut to demonstrate a serious commitment to the ceasefire terms agreed in November, which called for limiting weapons to official security agencies.

Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi described the government’s decision as “historic and final,” saying it responds to the Lebanese people’s aspiration to consolidate state authority.

The Lebanese premier also defended the move, framing it as part of the government’s efforts to uphold Lebanon’s sovereignty and restore order.

“The use of arms must be limited to the Lebanese army and security forces. Any armed activity outside these institutions has no legal basis,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Aoun emphasized that political and security stability are essential to saving Lebanon’s economy, noting that the government and parliament remain committed to structural reforms aimed at addressing the country’s deepening crises.

‏Cross-border warfare between Israel and Hezbollah began in October 2023 and escalated into a full-scale war in September 2024. As many as 4,000 people, including Hezbollah chief Hasan Nasrallah, were killed and around 17,000 others were injured.

A ceasefire was reached in November, but Israeli forces have conducted near-daily attacks in southern Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah activity.

Under the truce, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, but the deadline was extended to Feb. 18 after Tel Aviv refused to comply. Israel still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.