Christian and sovereinist political parties in Lebanon laud cabinet approval of ‘objectives’ of US plan to disarm Hezbollah after 40 years of militia dominance

BEIRUT — In the wake of the Lebanese government’s landmark endorsement of the disarmament initiative proposed by US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack — which calls for the dismantling of Iran-backed Hezbollah — several Lebanese Christian sovereignist parties have publicly expressed their full support. The government also announced its intent to create a comprehensive framework to regulate and eventually disarm Hezbollah’s illegal arsenal under the supervision of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

“The government has taken a resolute and historic step: no arms shall remain beyond the authority of the state,” declared Ibrahim Mrad, President of the Universal Syriac Union Party. “Today marks a turning point in our national journey — closing the chapter on terrorism and bringing an end to four decades of militia dominance, internal conflict, and political assassinations. We offer our heartfelt congratulations to Lebanon and its people, and we pay solemn tribute to the souls of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for a sovereign and unified nation.”

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In a statement released on 8 August 2025, the Lebanese Forces party, led by Dr. Samir Geagea, criticized what it described as the “illogical and anachronistic rationale” offered by Hezbollah in defense of its continued armament.

The party stated:

“Hezbollah remains in denial of an unmistakable truth: it stands increasingly isolated within the Lebanese political landscape. Deprived of the protective umbrella once offered by the Syrian regime, abandoned by former cross-sectarian allies, and lacking institutional cover, the group now finds itself politically exposed. Its persistent invocation of so-called ‘deterrent weapons’ no longer convinces the Lebanese people, nor the international community. That narrative has been thoroughly discredited, revealing itself as a calculated strategy to preserve Lebanon’s subordination to Iran’s regional agenda.”

It went on to ask, “By what legal, political, or moral logic does Hezbollah justify the continued possession of arms outside the framework of the state?”

The party also pointed out the irony of Hezbollah now citing the Taif Agreement to justify its position, despite having historically opposed the accord. It criticized what it described as a striking historical irony, noting that the same group that once actively sought to undermine the Taif Agreement is now invoking its provisions — while selectively interpreting and distorting them to suit its current interests. The party stressed the importance of reminding the Lebanese public that Hezbollah was among the fiercest opponents of the Taif Agreement, only softening its stance after Syrian President Hafez al-Assad had firmly established control over Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Lebanese Kataeb Party President and Member of Parliament Sami Gemayel met with President Joseph Aoun at the Baabda Presidential Palace, where he reaffirmed his party’s full backing of both the President and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Gemayel described the moment as “a long-awaited and proud day for Lebanon.”

During the visit, Gemayel called for honest dialogue, national reconciliation, and inclusive partnership as essential foundations for unifying the Lebanese people. He extended an invitation to all citizens to come together under the rule of law and legitimate state authority. Reiterating the Kataeb Party’s commitment to rebuilding the state, strengthening national sovereignty, and restoring centralized authority across all Lebanese territory, he expressed hope that all political and social actors would align themselves with constitutional legality.

Gemayel emphasized that the government’s decision transcends sectarian and regional divisions, serving the common interest of the entire nation. He called for a redirection of national efforts toward reviving Lebanon’s economy and creating employment opportunities — priorities he said have been neglected due to prolonged political turmoil. He concluded by asserting that only through the equal and impartial application of the law can Lebanese citizens begin to restore their trust in the state and its institutions.