Lebanese cabinet endorses army strategy to curb Hezbollah arms, supporters vow resistance
Sep 06, 2025
Beirut [Lebanon], September 6: Lebanon's government on Friday endorsed an army plan to disarm Hezbollah and place all weapons under state control, the state-run National News Agency reported.
Information Minister Paul Morcos said after a cabinet meeting that ministers reviewed the army's proposal and approved it, but decided to keep details and related discussions confidential.
The cabinet had earlier tasked the army with drafting a disarmament strategy focused on Hezbollah -- a move rejected by the group and its ally, the Amal Movement. During Friday's session, five Hezbollah and Amal ministers walked out in protest.
Morcos said the army would begin implementing the plan within its available logistical, financial, and human resources, and would submit monthly progress reports to the cabinet. He added that Lebanon remained committed to the current ceasefire with Israel, accusing Israel of repeated violations.
Hezbollah supporters called for mass demonstrations following the cabinet's decision, vowing to resist any effort to hand over the group's weapons. "We will not accept the disarmament of the weapons that defended the homeland," they said in a statement.
The army deployed extra units in several areas amid concerns of unrest.
Hezbollah's military autonomy remains a deeply divisive issue in Lebanese politics. Senior Hezbollah figures, including the current leader Naim Qassem, have repeatedly dismissed disarmament calls as unrealistic and detrimental to Lebanon's security, saying such efforts only serve Israeli interests.
This photo taken on Sept. 5, 2025 shows a cabinet meeting at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon. Lebanon's government on Friday endorsed an army plan to disarm Hezbollah and place all weapons under state control, the state-run National News Agency reported. Information Minister Paul Morcos said after a cabinet meeting that ministers reviewed the army's proposal and approved it, but decided to keep details and related discussions confidential. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua
Source: Xinhua
