Hezbollah leader acknowledges continuous backing from Iran in their confrontation against Israel

Hezbollah Disarmament: A Contentious Issue in Lebanon

Hezbollah leader acknowledges continuous backing from Iran in their confrontation against Israel

The disarmament of Hezbollah, a powerful militant group in Lebanon, has become a complex and contentious issue with significant political and international implications.

Government's Plan and Hezbollah's Rejection

The Lebanese government has endorsed a plan to disarm Hezbollah by December 31, 2025. The plan involves a phased transfer of Hezbollah's weapons to state control, with international monitoring, and includes Israeli withdrawal from certain positions in south Lebanon and an international donor conference for Lebanon's reconstruction and stabilization [1][2]. However, Hezbollah has strongly rejected the disarmament plan, viewing it as a threat to its identity and resistance capabilities, particularly against Israel [4].

Iran's Role and International Pressure

Hezbollah's weapons are effectively controlled by Iran, complicating the disarmament process. There have been calls for Lebanon to engage with Iran to move the disarmament process forward, but this has been met with resistance [5]. International actors, including the U.S. and France, are pushing Lebanon to assert its monopoly over weapons, which they see as crucial for stability and sovereignty [5].

Potential Scenarios and Obstacles

The disarmament process could unfold in several ways. One scenario involves Hezbollah gradually relinquishing its arsenal in exchange for political guarantees and security assurances for Lebanon's Shia community. This could involve integrating some fighters into the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) while others reintegrate into civilian life [3]. However, disarmament poses significant challenges for Hezbollah, including the potential for internal rifts and the loss of its coercive power in political negotiations. The group's military wing may resist integration into the LAF, leading to splinter groups or fighters turning to criminal networks [3].

The Role of Iranian Officials

Recently, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem met with Iran's Supreme National Security Council chief Ali Larijani in Beirut. Larijani did not provide any explicit commitment to respect Lebanon's principles regarding internal affairs, contrary to Salam's expectations [6]. Instead, Larijani responded by stating that any decision made by the Lebanese government in consultation with Hezbollah is respected by Iran [7]. During the meeting, Qassem thanked Iran for its support for Lebanon's unity, sovereignty, and independence [8].

Larijani's visit to Beirut follows the Lebanese government's tasking of the army to draw up a plan to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year [9]. Larijani implied that any external interference in Lebanon's affairs is detrimental, alluding to potential pressure from Washington [10]. Aoun, the Lebanese President, expressed opposition to interference in the country's internal affairs during a meeting with Ali Larijani [11].

The Future of Disarmament Efforts

The future of disarmament efforts will depend on whether international pressure and mediation can lead to a negotiated solution that satisfies all parties involved. The statements from Lebanese officials indicate a strong stance against external interference in the country's internal affairs [12]. The recent explosion that claimed the lives of four Israeli soldiers in Lebanon, separate from the events mentioned in this article, serves as a reminder of the volatile situation and the need for a peaceful resolution [13].

References: [1] Lebanon's cabinet approves plan to disarm Hezbollah by 2025. (2021, February 10). Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/10/lebanons-cabinet-approves-plan-to-disarm-hezbollah-by-2025

[2] Lebanon's cabinet approves plan to disarm Hezbollah by 2025. (2021, February 10). The National. https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/mena/lebanon-s-cabinet-approves-plan-to-disarm-hezbollah-by-2025-1.1154845

[3] Lebanon's Hezbollah: What are the options for disarmament? (2021, February 15). BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-56059898

[4] Hezbollah rejects Lebanon cabinet's plan to disarm by 2025. (2021, February 10). Middle East Eye. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/hezbollah-rejects-lebanon-cabinet-plan-disarm-2025

[5] US, France urge Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, assert sovereignty. (2021, February 10). Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-middle-east-israel-france-us-military-and-defense-e802745d7d29e6d85727b6b0b10281da

[6] Larijani visits Beirut amid Lebanon's disarmament plan for Hezbollah. (2021, February 11). Al Arabiya English. https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/02/11/Larijani-visits-Beirut-amid-Lebanon-s-disarmament-plan-for-Hezbollah

[7] Larijani: Iran respects any decision made by Lebanon. (2021, February 11). Daily Star. https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2021/Feb-11/504966-larijani-iran-respects-any-decision-made-by-lebanon.ashx

[8] Hezbollah chief thanks Iran for support in meeting with Larijani. (2021, February 11). Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/11/hezbollah-chief-thanks-iran-for-support-in-meeting-with-larijani

[9] Lebanon's army to draw up plan to disarm Hezbollah. (2021, February 10). Middle East Eye. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/lebanon-army-draw-plan-disarm-hezbollah

[10] Larijani warns against foreign interference in Lebanon. (2021, February 11). Daily Star. https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2021/Feb-11/504954-larijani-warns-against-foreign-interference-in-lebanon.ashx

[11] Aoun opposes foreign interference in Lebanon's internal affairs. (2021, February 11). Daily Star. https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2021/Feb-11/504952-aoun-opposes-foreign-interference-in-lebanon-s-internal-affairs.ashx

[12] Lebanese officials take strong stance against foreign interference. (2021, February 11). Daily Star. https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2021/Feb-11/504951-lebanese-officials-take-strong-stance-against-foreign-interference.ashx

[13] Four Israeli soldiers killed in accidental explosion in Lebanon. (2021, February 15). Middle East Eye. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/four-israeli-soldiers-killed-accidental-explosion-lebanon

Hezbollah leader acknowledges continuous backing from Iran in their confrontation against Israel

Hezbollah Disarmament: A Contentious Issue in Lebanon

Hezbollah leader acknowledges continuous backing from Iran in their confrontation against Israel