CAN LEBANON REALLY DISARM HEZBOLLAH?

US-backed plan to place all weapons under state control faces political, military obstacles

- BY HAMAD ABDULLA ALHOSANI | Special to Gulf News

The Lebanese Cabinet’s decision to task the army with drafting a plan to place all weapons under state control by the end of 2025 marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to armed groups operating outside the state framework. This issue had remained unresolved for years, but the Israeli war on Gaza, Hezbollah’s response, the losses Israel inflicted on the party’s leadership, and wider regional developments coupled with international pressure on Lebanon - all appear to have pushed matters in this direction.

The Cabinet's decision is based on a US proposal. Under the plan, the army would deploy in southern Lebanon alongside “UNIFIL” forces, subject to Israel's withdrawal from five positions it continues to occupy in the south. However, the implementation of the decision may face several obstacles in Lebanon's politically fragmented society.