Lebanon’s Christian parties call on Hezbollah to apologize for 35 years of harm to the Lebanese people

BEIRUT — Lebanon and its political factions have long been known for their confrontations, rivalries, and deep internal divisions. Yet, in a rare and unprecedented moment in the country’s modern history, political actors across the spectrum appeared united around one central issue: the disarmament of Iran-backed Hezbollah.

This unexpected consensus was evident during the 5 August 2025, cabinet session, which resulted in a preliminary plan to remove illegal weapons from all non-state actors.

President Joseph Aoun confirmed in remarks to Al Arabiya and Al Hadath on Thursday that the exclusive possession of weapons by the state “will be achieved despite the challenges ahead.” He added that the government is currently awaiting the Lebanese Army’s proposed plan for arms control, which will be reviewed and approved in the coming weeks.

The Lebanese Forces party issued a statement describing the cabinet’s “historic decision” as one that “should have been made 35 years ago,” had it not been for what it called “the betrayal of the Taif Agreement,” along with violations of UN Resolutions 1559, 1701, 1680, and the most recent ceasefire resolution.

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All of these resolutions emphasize the necessity for the Lebanese state to assert full authority over national territory through its official security forces and to dismantle and disarm all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias. According to these terms, only the Lebanese Armed Forces, Internal Security Forces, General Security Directorate, State Security, Lebanese Customs, and municipal police are legally authorized to bear arms.

The party stressed that “it was incumbent upon the coup faction [Hezbollah] to apologize to the Lebanese people for the harm inflicted over the past 35 years.” Instead of taking responsibility, it added, Hezbollah “shamelessly attacked President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam — as if the president were responsible for the July 2006 war, the 7 May 2008 conflict, or the war in Syria, and as if the prime minister were to blame for paralyzing political life, delaying government formation, or driving the country into economic collapse through war and corrupt alliances.”

“The 5 August cabinet session has put Lebanon back on the track to becoming a functional and sovereign state,” added the Lebanese Forces, praising the cabinet meeting. “The first step is adherence to foundational texts and constitutional principles — exactly what the president and prime minister have done.”

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The Kataeb Party also welcomed the decision, calling it “historic” and a necessary step toward restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty and reclaiming national decision-making. The party expressed full confidence in the government’s ability to continue discussions on arms control until a final resolution is reached.

It also warned against “any attempt to sabotage this decision or return to the rhetoric of intimidation and domination — an era that is over and will not return under any pretext.”

The party strongly condemned recent remarks by Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, describing him as “deep in denial” and accusing him of attempting to drag the country into a war the Lebanese people do not want.

Qassem had declared that Hezbollah would treat the government’s disarmament decision as if it “does not exist,” accusing the government of committing a “grave sin.” His remarks came just one day after the Lebanese government officially tasked the army with preparing a disarmament plan — to be implemented by the end of the year.