Beirut: Lebanon's government on Tuesday tasked the army with developing a plan to restrict arms to the state by year-end, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said, an unprecedented move that paves the way for disarming Hezbollah. After a nearly six-hour cabinet session headed by President Joseph Aoun on disarming the Iran-backed militant group, Salam stated the government "tasked the Lebanese army with setting an implementation plan to restrict weapons" to the army and other state forces "before the end of this year". The plan is to be presented to the cabinet by the end of August for discussion and approval, he told a press conference after the marathon session.
According to France24.com, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem had said a short time earlier, as the cabinet was in session, that "any timetable presented for implementation under... Israeli aggression cannot be agreed to". This statement underscores the complexities and potential hurdles the government may face as it attempts to centralize control over arms within the country. The decision marks a significant step in the long-standing debate over Hezbollah’s military capabilities and its role within Lebanon.
The move is seen as a critical measure to reinforce state authority and manage internal security dynamics more effectively. The Lebanese army, perceived as a neutral and stabilizing force within the nation, is expected to outline a comprehensive strategy that will ensure a gradual transition towards exclusive state control over weaponry. This initiative aligns with broader national and international calls for the disarmament of non-state actors to promote stability and peace in Lebanon.