The Lebanese military will begin implementing its plan to disarm Iran-backed Hezbollah, the government said on Friday following a cabinet meeting, amid opposition from the group and its allies.

Beirut

Lebanon's cabinet has approved a plan for the national army to begin disarming Hezbollah, restricting the possession of weapons to legitimate state authorities. The army will implement the plan based on its available resources, though no timeline has been specified. The decision prompted a walkout by ministers from Hezbollah and the allied Amal party, who argue that disarmament is ill-timed due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes and territorial occupation in southern Lebanon.

The move follows increased calls from the United States and Saudi Arabia for Hezbollah to relinquish its arms. Hezbollah has emerged weakened after a year-long conflict with Israel, which resulted in the assassination of many senior leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah, and significant civilian casualties and displacement in Lebanon.

Lebanon says army will begin disarming Hezbollah

It's an unprecedented move that risks prompting internal conflict. Lebanon's cabinet has welcomed a plan outlined by the army to disarm Hezbollah. The cabinet welcomed the army's proposed measures to ensure the implementation of the decision to extend the state's authority through its own forces and to restrict the possession of weapons to legitimate authorities. The Lebanese army will begin implementing the plan, but according to logistical, material and human capabilities. No timeline for the plan was given. As the government discussed the plan, five ministers from Hezbollah and its allied Amal party walked out in protest. Hezbollah and its supporters insist that disarmament would be a misstep as Israel continues its airstrikes on Lebanon and occupies swathes of land in the south. Critics of Hezbollah blame the group for dragging the country into conflict with Israel and have accused its leadership for failing to deliver on pledges to protect Lebanon. We now have a government and a president and they must assume leadership. Hezbollah's role has come to an end and it must now focus on its political and parliamentary role. It comes as the US and Saudi Arabia have stepped up calls for Hezbollah to give up arms. In 2024, Hezbollah emerged weakened from a year-long war with Israel, with a majority of the group's senior figures assassinated, including its leader Hassan Nasrallah. According to Lebanon's authorities, thousands of civilians were killed in the conflict, with scores more wounded and displaced.

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