Lebanon‘s army has presented a plan to the government’s cabinet to disarm Hezbollah, with the military set to begin executing it. The plan was presented by army commander Rodolphe Haykal during a three-hour cabinet meeting on Friday.
However, the plan does not set a timeframe for implementation and notes that the army has limited capabilities.
Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos stated that the government welcomes the plan, but it has not been formally passed by the cabinet.
“The army will begin implementing the plan according to its logistical, material and personnel capabilities, which might require additional time [and] additional effort,” Morcos said, adding that the plan’s details would remain secret.
The proposal has sparked controversy, with five Shia ministers, including those from Hezbollah and its ally the Amal Movement, walking out of the cabinet meeting.
Hezbollah remains adamant that it will hold onto its weapons, and any decision taken in the absence of Shia ministers would be considered null and void.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has warned of potential civil war if the government tries to confront the group.
Military analyst Elijah Magnier believes that the Lebanese army is not equipped to confront Hezbollah, stating that it “doesn’t have the appetite to start a civil war” and wouldn’t want a partition in the army.
International pressure is mounting on Hezbollah to disarm, with the United States and Saudi Arabia calling for the group to give up its arms.
US Senators Jim Risch and Jeanne Shaheen issued a joint statement supporting Hezbollah’s disarmament, saying, “Lebanon deserves a free, prosperous, and secure future. That will only be possible if Lebanon is freed from the influence of Hezbollah and the Iranian regime.”
However, Hezbollah has pushed back, arguing that discussing disarmament while Israel continues its air strikes on Lebanon and occupies territory in the south would be a serious misstep.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in significant displacement and destruction in both countries.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have continued to carry out air attacks across Lebanon, causing deaths and injuries among civilians.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has condemned Israeli drone attacks near peacekeepers, calling it “one of the most serious attacks on UNIFIL personnel and assets” since the November ceasefire.