Beirut: The Lebanese group Hezbollah has strongly denounced the recent government decision to disarm non-state groups, labeling it a 'grave sin'. The group criticized the action as detrimental to Lebanon's defense against Israeli threats.
According to Anadolu Agency, Hezbollah issued a statement condemning Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's initiative, which authorized the army to prepare a plan for consolidating weapons under state control by the end of the year. The group argued that this decision weakens Lebanon's capacity to counter ongoing Israeli and US pressures while allowing Israel to advance its objectives in Lebanon after failing through military means.
Hezbollah declared its intent to disregard the government's resolution, attributing the decision to the influence of US Envoy Tom Barrack, who had proposed a roadmap for disarming the group. Emphasizing its openness to dialogue, Hezbollah expressed willingness to discuss a national security strategy aimed at ending Israeli aggression, freeing prisoners, and reconstructing war-affected regions, but only under conditions free from aggression.
The group insisted that the Israeli side must first implement the agreement and that the Lebanese government's primary focus should be on liberating all territories under Israeli occupation, as outlined in its ministerial declaration.
The Amal Movement, an ally of Hezbollah, also criticized the government's decision, describing it as premature and urging a reversal. In a statement, the group accused the government of hastily offering concessions to Israel through new agreements and urged a focus on securing a ceasefire and halting ongoing violence against Lebanese civilians.
Led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the Shia group accused the government of acting against the president's oath and the ministerial statement. It suggested that an upcoming cabinet session should be used to rectify the decision and restore unity among Lebanese factions.
The backdrop of the situation includes Israeli military operations launched in Lebanon on Oct. 8, 2023, which escalated into a full-scale conflict by September 2024, resulting in over 4,000 fatalities and approximately 17,000 injuries. Although a ceasefire was achieved in November, Israeli forces have continued near-daily attacks in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah activities.
Under the truce terms, Israel was expected to withdraw fully from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, but the deadline was extended to Feb. 18 due to non-compliance by Tel Aviv. Israel continues to maintain a military presence at five border outposts.