Government gathers once more for negotiations regarding Hezbollah's demilitarization
Lebanon's Push for Hezbollah Disarmament Faces Resistance
Efforts to disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon are currently underway, but the process is fraught with complexity and sensitivity. The Lebanese government is preparing a formal plan to disarm Hezbollah's weapons by the end of 2025, under pressure from the U.S. [1][3]
However, Hezbollah has resisted disarmament, citing security needs and maintaining strong political and social influence. The group, deeply embedded in Lebanon's political system, has threatened to treat the government's decision to disarm it "as if it did not exist" and accused the cabinet of committing a "grave sin." [1][2]
The challenge for Hezbollah involves the risk to its internal cohesion and political leverage if forced to disarm. Disarmament would likely require a negotiated process, including political guarantees and security assurances for Lebanon's Shia community. There is concern that abrupt disarmament could cause splintering within Hezbollah or push some fighters into criminal or radical networks. [2]
Diplomatic and regional dynamics—including pressure from the U.S., Israel’s strategic interests, and Lebanon’s government trying to balance internal sectarian tensions—are central to these ongoing efforts. [4]
Protests have erupted across Lebanon in response to the government's push for disarmament. Hundreds of Hezbollah supporters protested in Beirut's southern suburbs, and similar protests occurred in other areas where Hezbollah holds sway. [1] Four Shiite Muslim ministers, including three affiliated with Hezbollah or its ally the Amal movement, walked out of a meeting in protest at the government's disarmament push. [1]
Meanwhile, the Lebanese army has been active in dismantling Hezbollah's military positions and weapons depots. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reported that the army has dismantled over 500 Hezbollah military positions and weapons depots in the south. [1]
UN peacekeepers in Lebanon discovered a vast network of fortified tunnels in the south, along with three bunkers, artillery, rocket launchers, hundreds of explosive shells and rockets, anti-tank mines, and about 250 ready-to-use improvised explosive devices. [1]
Israel has also been active, carrying out strikes on eastern Lebanon on Thursday, killing at least seven people. [1]
France's foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot endorsed Lebanon's disarmament initiative as a "brave and historic decision." [1]
In summary, Lebanon’s government is pushing for Hezbollah disarmament, but Hezbollah resists, citing security needs and maintaining strong political and social influence. Disarmament efforts involve complex negotiations, international mediation, and risks of internal Hezbollah fragmentation. Diplomatic efforts continue amid regional and sectarian sensitivities. [1][2][4]
References: [1] Al Jazeera, 2025. "Lebanon's push to disarm Hezbollah faces resistance." [Online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/1/lebanon-push-to-disarm-hezbollah-faces-resistance [2] Reuters, 2025. "Lebanon's push to disarm Hezbollah: Challenges and complexities." [Online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanons-push-disarm-hezbollah-challenges-complexities-2025-08-01/ [3] BBC News, 2025. "Lebanon's plan to disarm Hezbollah by 2025." [Online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-59067276 [4] The Guardian, 2025. "Diplomatic efforts intensify as UNIFIL mandate discussions loom." [Online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/01/diplomatic-efforts-intensify-as-unifil-mandate-discussions-loom
- The ongoing push for Hezbollah disarmament is a contentious issue in Lebanese politics, with the group's resistance rooted in security concerns and political influence.
- The process of disarming Hezbollah is riddled with complexities and sensitivities, requiring delicate negotiations and international mediation due to regional power dynamics and internal sectarian tensions.
