Hezbollah Rejects Government Disarmament Timetable Plan, Warns of “Grave Error”

BEIRUT – In a formal statement, Hezbollah categorically rejected the Lebanese government’s decision to pursue the disarmament of the party, declaring that it would treat the resolution as “non-existent.” The pronouncement reflects a significant escalation in political tensions between Hezbollah and the government led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.  

Hezbollah, designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and several Western nations, condemned the government’s decision as a “grave error” that undermines Lebanon’s national sovereignty. The party argued that disarming the resistance serves Israel’s interests and weakens Lebanon’s position against what it described as “ongoing Israeli-American aggression.” The party’s stance is grounded in the fifth paragraph of the government’s ministerial statement, which commits to upholding the Taif Agreement, liberating Lebanese territories from Israeli occupation, and extending state sovereignty over all Lebanese land “exclusively through its own forces.” 

This includes deploying the Lebanese Armed Forces along internationally recognized borders. The escalation follows what Hezbollah perceives as “American dictates,” particularly after a visit by U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack, who emphasized the need to disarm Hezbollah. 

Prime Minister Salam announced that the Council of Ministers will continue discussions on the U.S. proposal during its next session on Thursday, tasking the Lebanese Armed Forces with developing an implementation plan to centralize arms under state control by year’s end. In a direct rebuke, Hezbollah accused the government of adopting a “strategy of surrender” and explicitly undermining Lebanon’s sovereignty. 

The party framed the decision as “fully aligned with Israel’s interests,” leaving Lebanon vulnerable to Israeli aggression without deterrence capabilities. In a clear act of protest, ministers affiliated with Hezbollah and the Amal Movement withdrew from yesterday evening’s cabinet session, denouncing what they described as Lebanon’s submission to American influence and attempts by the Israeli occupation to impose its political and military will.