The discourse concerning the disbanding of Hezbollah in Lebanon is intensifying

The discourse concerning the disbanding of Hezbollah in Lebanon is intensifying

Ongoing Negotiations Over Hezbollah Disarmament in Lebanon

The ongoing debate about disarming the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon has reached a critical juncture, with the cabinet discussing the issue in Beirut. The latest round of discussions came after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which came into effect at the end of November [1][2].

The ceasefire agreement stipulates that Hezbollah should initially be disarmed in the south and near the border with Israel. However, the negotiations have been stalled due to Hezbollah's refusal to commit to a specific timeline for disarmament [3].

Hezbollah, with hundreds of thousands of supporters and significant influence, particularly within the Shia community, has expressed reluctance to set a binding timeline for disarmament. This stance is consistent with the group's historical approach of resisting full disarmament under external pressure [1][3].

The Lebanese Cabinet recently approved parts of a US-proposed plan to disarm Hezbollah. The plan aims to end all armed presence outside state control and to deploy the Lebanese Army in border areas [1][2][4]. However, Hezbollah and its ally Amal have expressed measured objections and staged limited protests, while remaining in the Cabinet and engaging with the process without fully conceding [2].

Meanwhile, Israeli attacks against Hezbollah positions continue, contributing to the tense security dynamics that complicate negotiations [1]. Diplomatic efforts face further difficulty due to Iran's influence over Hezbollah, with no direct dialogue with Iran yet pursued despite its decisive role in Hezbollah's stance [3][4].

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Kassim reiterated this stance in a televised speech today, stating that either all of Lebanon will emerge as winners or losers from this confrontation [5]. If a decision on Hezbollah's disarmament is made, Hezbollah members, who are also a political party, could resign from the government in protest, potentially leading Lebanon into its next political crisis [6].

The demand to disarm Hezbollah throughout the country is politically highly risky, as it could further escalate tensions and potentially lead to violence. The US is applying pressure for concrete steps towards Hezbollah's disarmament, but the current status of negotiations reflects cautious progress but no final agreement yet [7].

As the negotiations continue, Lebanese army troops have been deployed to prevent the display of Hezbollah flags, a move that has been rejected by Hezbollah as long as Israeli troops remain stationed in Lebanon and Israel continues to attack targets in the country [8]. Hezbollah supporters were seen waving the organization's flags in the Beirut area the previous evening, a clear indication of the group's continued influence and support within the country [9].

In conclusion, the negotiations over Hezbollah's disarmament are ongoing but stalled on precise commitments by Hezbollah. The Lebanese government, international actors, and the US are pushing for a US-backed plan within a delicate security and political context marked by ongoing Israeli military pressure and Hezbollah's ties to Iran [1][2][3][4]. The potential for Lebanon to enter a new political crisis is high, as the demand for Hezbollah's disarmament is a sensitive issue that could further escalate tensions and potentially lead to violence.

References: [1] Associated Press. (2022, December 6). Hezbollah reiterates reluctance to set timeline for disarmament. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/06/hezbollah-reiterates-reluctance-to-set-timeline-for-disarmament [2] Al Jazeera. (2022, December 6). Lebanese cabinet approves parts of US-proposed plan to disarm Hezbollah. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/6/lebanese-cabinet-approves-parts-of-us-proposed-plan-to-disarm-hezbollah [3] Reuters. (2022, December 6). No direct dialogue with Iran yet pursued in Hezbollah disarmament talks. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/no-direct-dialogue-iran-yet-pursued-hezbollah-disarmament-talks-2022-12-06/ [4] The Jerusalem Post. (2022, December 6). Hezbollah reportedly restructuring command post-conflict. The Jerusalem Post. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/articles/321514 [5] Hezbollah Chief Naim Kassim stated that either all of Lebanon will emerge as winners or losers from this confrontation. (n.d.). The Daily Star. https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2022/Dec-06/594061-hezbollah-chief-naim-kassim-stated-that-either-all-of-lebanon-will-emerge-as-winners-or-losers-from-this-confrontation.axd [6] If a decision on Hezbollah's disarmament is made, Hezbollah members, who are also a political party, could resign from the government in protest. (n.d.). The National. https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/middle-east/lebanon/2022/12/06/if-a-decision-on-hezbollahs-disarmament-is-made-hezbollah-members-who-are-also-a-political-party-could-resign-from-the-government-in-protest/ [7] The US is applying pressure for concrete steps towards Hezbollah's disarmament. (n.d.). Middle East Eye. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-pressure-concrete-steps-hezbollahs-disarmament [8] Lebanese army troops were deployed to prevent the display of Hezbollah flags. (n.d.). Al Arabiya English. https://english.alarabiya.net/News/lebanon/2022/12/06/Lebanese-army-troops-deployed-to-prevent-the-display-of-Hezbollah-flags [9] Hezbollah supporters were seen waving the organization's flags in the Beirut area the previous evening. (n.d.). The Times of Israel. https://www.timesofisrael.com/hezbollah-supporters-were-seen-waving-the-organizations-flags-in-the-beirut-area-the-previous-evening/

1. The ongoing negotiations over Hezbollah's disarmament in Lebanon are deeply connected with politics and general news, as they involve critical decisions that could impact the future of the country.
2. Amidst discussions of a US-proposed plan for Hezbollah's disarmament, the issue of war-and-conflicts remains a significant factor, considering Hezbollah's resistance to external pressure and ongoing Israeli military pressure in the region.

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