Credited from: ALJAZEERA
Lebanon's government convened on September 5 to review a plan by the army aimed at disarming Hezbollah, a contentious issue exacerbated by rising tensions in the region. The Shiite ministers from Hezbollah and its political ally, the Amal Movement, walked out of the meeting, leading to further uncertainty regarding the government's ability to navigate the complex political landscape surrounding the disarmament issue, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.
The cabinet's session, lasting over three hours, welcomed the army's proposal to consolidate weapons within state control but did not set a specific timeline for implementation. Information Minister Paul Morcos emphasized that the army would proceed according to its logistical capabilities, reflecting concerns over its limited resources in maintaining order amid political dissent, as reported by Al Jazeera and Le Monde.
Hezbollah's official, Mahmoud Qmati, referred to the cabinet session as an "opportunity to return to wisdom and reason” but contended that any implementation of the disarmament plan should remain halted until Israel ceases its military actions and withdraws from Lebanon. This standpoint reflects Hezbollah's strategy to leverage the ongoing Israeli attacks as justification for retaining its arsenal, highlighting the deep political divisions within Lebanese society since last year's war with Israel, according to Reuters and India Times.
The disarmament plan is not only influenced by domestic politics but also pressured by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, which push for Hezbollah's disarmament as a compliance measure following the November U.S.-brokered ceasefire. In light of these external factors, the Lebanese cabinet's determination to confront Hezbollah represents a significant shift in the post-war political landscape. However, Hezbollah's firm opposition suggests ongoing instability, as noted by TRT Global and Reuters.