Lebanon’s army Hezbollah disarmament
Beirut (dpa) — The Lebanese government is set to discuss an army-drafted plan to disarm Hezbollah on Friday, a move seen as highly risky given the sensitive political climate nationwide.
The plan follows the cabinet’s adoption of a US-backed initiative in early August calling for the disarmament of all militias by year’s end and the transfer of all weapons to state control.
It remains unclear whether ministers from Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement, will allow the debate to proceed or block a decision.
A withdrawal of Hezbollah members from the cabinet could plunge the country into a new political crisis.
Hezbollah is the only militia to retain its weapons after the 1990s civil war, building a parallel power structure with Iranian backing that has repeatedly obstructed political processes.
Since its war with Israel last fall, however, it is seen as weakened.
The group insists it will only disarm once Israel halts attacks in Lebanon and completes its withdrawal from the south.
Despite a ceasefire, Israel continues to strike Lebanese territory almost daily, with deadly incidents reported in recent days.
Disarmament is part of the ceasefire agreement, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has only vaguely promised a gradual troop pullout. Observers doubt real progress until Lebanon takes its own steps first.
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