Beirut, August 8: Hezbollah on Wednesday dismissed a decision by Lebanon’s cabinet to bring all weapons under state control, calling the move a “grave sin” and vowing to disregard it, despite mounting international pressure for the Iran-backed group to disarm.
In a strongly worded statement, the Shi’ite political and militant group said it would treat the cabinet’s directive “as if it does not exist,” claiming the policy was driven by “American diktats.”
On Tuesday, following a six-hour meeting, the Lebanese government asked the military to present a plan by the end of August to unify arms supply and production under state control before year-end. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the proposal would be reviewed for final approval.
The development follows increased U.S. involvement in efforts to de-escalate hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. In June, American officials presented Lebanese authorities with a roadmap offering Hezbollah’s full disarmament in exchange for an Israeli halt to airstrikes and withdrawal from five sites in southern Lebanon, still held despite a ceasefire reached last November.
While Hezbollah’s arsenal was significantly degraded in last year’s conflict with Israel, the group has refused to give up its weapons. It insists Israeli attacks, which it says breach the ceasefire, must cease before any discussion of disarmament.
Speaking during Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem said the group would not engage in talks over its weapons “in the context of aggression.” He accused Israel of continuing strikes to block Hezbollah from regrouping.
Despite its weakened military position, Hezbollah maintains significant support within Lebanon’s Shia population. Analysts warn that disarmament efforts could further destabilize a country still reeling from economic crisis and haunted by memories of its 15-year civil war.
The government’s proposal to centralize arms under state control marks the most direct domestic challenge to Hezbollah’s military autonomy in years. It comes amid growing calls from Lebanese factions and Western powers to curtail the group’s influence over national security policy.
